Imagine walking through the halls of an abandoned school, its empty rooms and forgotten corridors filled with beautiful works of art. This is now a reality in upstate New York, where six midsize art galleries have transformed a sprawling abandoned school into the Campus, a vibrant new exhibition platform. With its inaugural exhibition set to begin on June 29, the Campus offers a unique opportunity to experience art in a truly immersive and collaborative environment. This article explores the transformation of the Ockawamick School and the exciting collaboration between these art galleries, marking a new way of working in the art world. Get ready to explore this art gallery oasis amidst the serene beauty of upstate New York.
The Campus: A Collaborative Effort
Galleries join forces to transform abandoned school into art gallery oasis
In a remarkable display of collaboration and cooperation, six midsize art galleries have come together to create a new exhibition platform called The Campus. Located in Columbia County, New York, The Campus is a sprawling abandoned school that has been transformed into an art gallery oasis. This innovative venture, which was initiated by Andrew Kreps, aims to extend the reach of these galleries beyond the confines of Manhattan and embrace a new way of working together.
The Purchase and Location
Six galleries purchase the Ockawamick School and surrounding land in Claverack, NY
The Ockawamick School, a low-slung 78,000-square-foot building, and its surrounding 22 acres of land have been purchased by Bortolami, James Cohan, Kaufmann Repetto, Anton Kern, Andrew Kreps, and Kurimanzutto. By pooling their resources, these galleries were able to acquire the property and establish The Campus as a unique exhibition space. Situated in Claverack, just outside the vibrant art hub of Hudson, The Campus offers an exciting opportunity for these galleries to expand their presence and engage with a new audience.
The Rise of Hudson as an Art Hub
Hudson becomes a popular location for art and design
Hudson, New York, has emerged as a thriving art and design destination in recent years. Its picturesque setting, vibrant community, and growing number of galleries and cultural institutions have made it a sought-after location for artists and art enthusiasts. The proximity of The Campus to Hudson further solidifies the town’s reputation as an art hub, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of artistic experiences.
The Art Scene in Columbia County
The Campus joins other contemporary art institutions in the region
The Campus is not alone in its mission to promote contemporary art in Columbia County. The region is home to various other art institutions and galleries, including the School, an extension of Jack Shainman’s gallery spaces in Manhattan, and the nonprofit Art Omi center. With the addition of The Campus, Columbia County further establishes itself as a destination for art lovers, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Inaugural Exhibition
Overview of the first exhibition at The Campus
The opening exhibition at The Campus promises to be a captivating showcase of talent from the galleries involved. Featuring works by nearly 80 artists, many of whom are represented by the collective, this exhibition is a testament to the strong relationships between the artists and the galleries. Among the artists featured are Jenny Holzer, Rachel Harrison, and Sanya Kantarovsky, all of whom have personal connections to the region. The exhibition will also include four outdoor installations, including a sculptural piece by Maren Hassinger and a site-specific project by William Forsythe.
Artists Represented at The Campus
The majority of artists showcased have strong ties to the collective
The Campus is committed to representing a diverse range of artists, with a particular focus on those who have strong connections to the galleries involved. Many of the artists showcased in the inaugural exhibition are part of the collective, which represents over 200 artists and estates. This emphasis on artists with personal ties to the galleries creates a unique sense of community and collaboration within The Campus.
Outdoor Installations
Description of outdoor artworks featured at The Campus
In addition to the indoor exhibition spaces, The Campus boasts several outdoor installations that add an extra dimension to the art experience. Maren Hassinger’s sculptural installation, situated amidst the lush livestock pastures, invites visitors to engage with nature and contemplate the intersection of art and the environment. William Forsythe’s site-specific project, located on a former football field, challenges visitors to participate in a complex choreography, blurring the boundaries between art and performance.
Visiting The Campus
Information on when and how visitors can experience The Campus
The Campus welcomes visitors on summer weekends, providing art enthusiasts with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant and diverse art scene. Located in Claverack, just a short distance from Hudson, The Campus is easily accessible for both local residents and tourists. Whether you’re a dedicated art lover or simply curious about the transformation of an abandoned school into an art gallery oasis, a visit to The Campus is sure to leave you inspired and engaged.
Implications for the Art World
Discussion on the collaborative and cooperative nature of The Campus
The establishment of The Campus represents a significant shift in the art world towards collaboration and cooperation. The collective effort of these midsize galleries to create a shared exhibition platform demonstrates a willingness to break free from the constraints of working in isolation. By pooling their resources and expertise, these galleries are able to offer a more diverse and dynamic art experience to visitors, while also supporting a network of artists and fostering a sense of community within the art world.
Conclusion
Summary of the transformation of the abandoned school into an art gallery oasis
The transformation of the Ockawamick School into The Campus is a testament to the power of collaboration and the transformative potential of art. Through the joint efforts of Bortolami, James Cohan, Kaufmann Repetto, Anton Kern, Andrew Kreps, and Kurimanzutto, an abandoned school has been reborn as a vibrant and dynamic art gallery oasis. The Campus joins the ranks of other contemporary art institutions in Columbia County, further solidifying the region’s reputation as an art destination. This collaborative venture has far-reaching implications for the art world, serving as a model for future collaborations and highlighting the importance of cooperative efforts in fostering artistic innovation.
