Skowhegan announces a Block Party featuring over 40 Artists as a part of its 75th Anniversary Celebrations & Special Events

New York, NY – [September 15, 2021] – Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, one of the country’s foremost educational experiences for artists, marks its 75th Anniversary with a public Block Party and series of events and special projects.

On Saturday, October 9, 2021, a Block Party will be held in front of Skowhegan's New York space on West 22nd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues from 12:00pm–5:00pm. The event is organized by the Alumni Alliance—a diverse group of recent alumni who spearhead Skowhegan's off-campus alumni programming—and the Skowhegan Council, a group of supporters and alumni dedicated to advancing Skowhegan's mission and program. The Block Party, performances, and activations will be free of charge, and food and drinks will be available on a donation basis.

The outdoor festival will celebrate Skowhegan’s expansive artistic community and will feature work from over 40 participating alumni artists. Outfitted with picnic tables and benches, a main stage will offer live performances including a drag show by Anthropussy (Eli Hill A '19 ) and a rotation of live DJ sets by Ashley Teamer A '14 , with more to be announced. Visitors can view and participate in various site-specific installations that include a fully interactive badminton set handmade by kg A '17 ; an artist interview project over tea by Michele Brody (A '96) ; a durational performance filmed in Bangladesh by Kabir Ahmed Masum Chisty (A '15) ; plastic bag portraits by Nobutaka Aozaki (A '15) ; a modular installation by Maya Hayuk (A '11) ; and a haircut performance by Finn Schult (A '17) and Tommy Coleman with Nancy Regan the Roomba.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to take photos in front of several commissioned large-scale backdrops featuring artwork by Helen Glazer (A '75) , Simonetta Moro (A '03) , Lily Prince (A '91) , Vabianna Santos (A '13) , Tricia Townes (A '98) , and Xander Wrencher (A '18). Displayed along the block will be an installation featuring digitally printed flags by artists Brian Alfred (A '99) , Jonathan Ehrenberg (A '11), Rachel Frank (A '05), Michelle Hauser (A '81), Sarah Hotchkiss (A '10) , Gary Jameson (A '72), Jim Leach (A '15), Juliet Karelsen (A '96), Liu Kincheloe (A '13, '21), Anna Kunz (A '09), Jennifer McCandless (A '96), Perry Meigs (A '98), Paolo Morales (A '15), Birgit Rathsmann (A '04), Edra Soto (A '00), Christopher Sproat (A '63), Fabian Tabibian (A '10) along with handmade flags by Karlos Carcamo (A ' 98), Gabriela Salazar (A '10), and Jessica Segall (A '10).

Two limited run items will be available only at the Block Party: a Costume Party Zine with illustrations by Michele Brody (A '96), Lauren Cohen (A '10), Jonathan Ehrenberg (A '11), Linda Ford (A '02), Baris Gokturk (A '16), Sarah Haviland (A '85), Wayne Hodge (A '06, '21), Jack Hogan (A '19), Tim Hutchings (A '96), Frank Hyder (A '73), Megan Marlatt (A '85, '21), Tracy Miller (A '92), Alicia Paz (A '98), Kuldeep Singh (A '14), Furong Zhang (A '98, '21); and an enamel pin by Laylah Ali (A '93).

Block Party packages are available on Skowhegan’s website, beginning at $75, and include one ticket to the after-party at The Fleur Room featuring DJ April Hunt from 5:00pm–7:00pm. Proceeds from the event support Skowhegan’s program and mission.

75th Anniversary Ephemera Box and Editions

Throughout 2021, Skowhegan has released special artworks and projects in conjunction with its 75th Anniversary. A collection of Skowhegan ephemera, inspired by Fluxes Boxes, conceived by Skowhegan Governor Marc Swanson (A '00, F '14) will be available in the fall. This follows the sold-out launch of a new print by Christina Quarles (A '16) produced in partnership with Artspace & Phaidon in honor of David Beitzel A '82 and Darren Walker; and a new limited edition by Rodrigo Valenzuela (A '13) published by Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE).

75th Anniversary Benefit Dinner

Skowhegan’s 75th Anniversary Benefit Dinner will be held on Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Rainbow Room. The dinner will include a special toast to Ann Gund, Chair, Board of Trustees (1998–present) for her exceptional service to Skowhegan. The evening will be hosted by 75th Anniversary Campaign Co-Chairs, Eleanor Acquavella, Donald Moffett (F '04) and Paula J. Volent, as well as Board President Alan Wanzenberg, and longtime Governor Howardena Pindell (F '80). Proceeds from the dinner supports Skowhegan's program and ensures that it remains a singular experience for the next generation of artists.