Back in 2002, as a burgeoning artist pursuing his MFA at the University at Albany, Ken Ragsdale noticed something about the Capital Region that intrigued him. He remarked, “For a young artist with no connections, there were numerous opportunities to showcase my work institutionally, rather than just in a private gallery or coffee shop.”
One of these opportunities was the Artists of the Mohawk-Hudson Region exhibition, a longstanding regional event. Ragsdale first participated in this exhibition as a student in 2003.
However, recently, the Albany Institute of History and Art, The Hyde Collection, and the University Art Museum at UAlbany jointly announced that they would not be hosting the Artists of the Mohawk-Hudson Region exhibition this year or in the foreseeable future. This decision marks the first time in the exhibition’s 87-year history that it will not take place.
The Albany Institute founded the Artists of the Mohawk-Hudson Region in 1936, with various regional arts organizations hosting the juried exhibition over the years. When The Hyde joined in 2010, the trio of Albany Institute, University Art Museum, and The Hyde became the primary co-hosts. Other organizations like the Opalka Gallery, Albany Center Gallery, and Albany Airport Gallery would step in if needed.
For many artists, including Michael Oatman, who first participated in 1991, the exhibition served as their first major showcase in the region. It became an annual opportunity to connect with the local arts community. Oatman expressed, “It’s been a really enriching experience to witness the evolution of my peers’ work in the region over the years. It’s more than just a chance to exhibit my own work; it’s a chance to tap into the spirit of the times.”
The Albany Institute, University Art Museum, and The Hyde have decided to step away from hosting the exhibition due to current constraints they face. These constraints stem from the unstable post-pandemic recovery and changes within the art industry. W. Douglas McCombs, interim director and chief curator at Albany Institute, explained, “Museums have undergone significant transformations over the past 87 years. The exhibitions and programs they offer, as well as their operational and financial sustainability, have changed.”
McCombs further elaborated that competitive grants have become the primary funding source for museums, covering everything from staff salaries to building maintenance. These grants usually prioritize workplace development, capital projects, and tourism, with juried exhibits taking a back seat.
One of the main attractions of the Artists of the Mohawk-Hudson Region exhibition for artists was the purchase prize. Each year, the three institutions would acquire select works for their collections, providing a financial boost and enhancing the artists’ resumes. For young artists like Ragsdale, the recognition of having their work exhibited alongside renowned artists like Robert Rauschenberg at the university museum was truly remarkable.
However, the Albany Institute has faced challenges regarding their contemporary art fund and the ability to make new purchases due to market fluctuations. Additionally, mounting the annual exhibition required considerable manpower, according to Corinna Ripps Schaming, director and chief curator for University Art Museum at UAlbany. Schaming mentioned that when her museum hosted the exhibition, it required dedicated staff to handle logistics, fundraising, and installation, which have become more complex over the years.
Scheduling conflicts have also presented challenges. The Hyde, for instance, has a busy exhibition schedule for the next three years, preventing them from hosting the event in the foreseeable future. However, they expressed their ongoing support for the region’s artists and a desire to explore new opportunities to engage with them.
The three organizations plan to hold a virtual town hall with local artists and organizations this fall to discuss the future of the Artists of the Mohawk-Hudson Region. This initiative aims to gather input and ideas from the community, building upon previous discussions on how to improve the program for artists and institutions.
Both Oatman and Ragsdale remain optimistic that the Artists of the Mohawk-Hudson Region exhibition will evolve and continue. Ragsdale emphasized, “I can’t see how the region would benefit from not having this exhibition.”
The end of an era presents an opportunity for growth and improvement, and the upcoming town hall will serve as a platform for envisioning a better future for this beloved regional showcase.
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