UAlbany Students' Art Showcased in Best of SUNY Exhibition 

Works Displayed at NYS Museum through Sept. 6

Simeon Youngmann, University at Albany, Untitled-II (from A Grief Observed), 2014. Graphite.

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 20, 2015) -- Four University at Albany students – Christine Batson, Ryan Clow, Jason van Staveren, and Simeon Youngmann -- were recently named finalists in a SUNY-wide art competition. Their work is included in the annual Best of SUNY Student Art Exhibition on display at the New York State Museum in Albany through September 6.

The exhibition features artwork chosen by individual art departments across SUNY campuses, and includes 84 artworks selected from more than 300 submissions. It includes drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture and digitally produced works.

“The New York State Museum is an ideal location for the outstanding student works included in the annual Best of SUNY art exhibition,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “This year’s pieces are breathtaking and imaginative, and they come to us from students at campuses across the state. We are proud to showcase their work here in the heart of New York’s capital city, where the museum attracts visitors from throughout the state and the country. Congratulations to all of our student artists.”

Christine Batson, University at Albany, Portrait 1, 2014. Linocut on Muslin, Black Fabric, Thread, Polyester Fiberfill, Wire.

One of UAlbany’s highlighted artists, Christine Batson, said she chose the University at Albany for its art program because it offers private studio spaces and the opportunity to gain teaching experience. The Department of Art and Art History offers her time to work independently and in an interdisciplinary manner.

“I had the pleasure of creating and teaching a relief printmaking course this past spring,” said Batson, whose work can also be seen on her website. “In the class, students learned to create woodcuts and linocuts.”

In the fall, the Salt Point, N.Y. native will teach a related version of this course that will include monoprinting. She plans to continue working in art after graduation in 2016, and hopes to teach at the college level.

Another artist, Simeon Youngmann, said UAlbany provides opportunities, affordability and a great location. “I’ve been given the opportunity to teach a section of life drawing here, which has been a great privilege and experience. The faculty in the art department have truly challenged me and encouraged me.”

Youngmann, a grad student from Hoosick Falls, N.Y., is also exhibiting a drawing in the Fence Show at the Arts Center of the Capital Region.

Ryan Clow, an art grad student from Troy, N.Y., really likes the Capital Region and the independent nature of the MFA program. “The program lets me teach classes through the graduate assistantship I was awarded which is giving me valuable experience before I leave,” he said. His goal is to work as a professor while maintaining a studio practice.

A list of all the artists featured in the exhibition is available.

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