about Collaborative Concepts
Collaborative Concepts has returned to Putnam County where it all began. Eight years ago a group of seven artists, inspired by Herman Roggeman of Putnam Valley, put together an exhibition of their art. The following year, they were joined by more than 25 other artists, who spent weeks transforming a 14,000 square foot industrial space in Cold Spring into a pristine gallery. This time the exhibition drew scores of attendees and received reviews from numerous publications including the New York Times. The exhibit, intended to be open for a few weekends, remained open for four months.
Collaborative Concepts then transformed a 6,000 square foot space in Beacon into a showcase for artists ranging from those just out of art school to such recognized artists as Grace Knowlton and Susan Wilmarth-Rabineau. The selection of exhibitions was "always about the art, not whether it could be in a viable, commercial gallery" says Roggeman, who remains on the board of what is now an established not-for-profit organization. Collaborative has enjoyed reviews from national publications such as Art in America.
After six years in Beacon, dozens of shows featuring more than a hundred artists, Collaborative is taking yet another direction. The group, which has no membership but an active board of professional artists, is planning an extensive outdoor sculpture exhibition on the historic farm of Sandy Saunders in Garrison. The more than 100 acre property will feature over 40 artists. "The spirit continues as it was when the group formed", board member Eric Arctander stated, "We are still dedicated to presenting advanced art by artists who want to work together." "Collaborative Concepts is unique", added board member Sheilah Rechtschaffer, "in that we are artists driven with a purpose to presenting art in our community."
COLLABORATIVE CONCEPTS Frequently Asked Questions
WHO ARE YOU?
AN INCORPORATED NEW YORK STATE NOT-FOR-PROFIT AND REGISTERED 501c3 ENTITY WITH FULL LIABILITY INSURANCE.
WHAT ARE YOU?
A NON- MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION WITH A BOARD OF DIRECTORS COMMITTED TO FACILITATING AND PRESENTING PROFESSINAL ART.
WHAT IS YOUR SUPPORT BASE?
IN PUTNAM COUNTY- THE PUTNAM ARTS COUNCIL, IN DUTCHESS COUNTY- THE DUTCHESS COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL.
WHAT IS YOUR HISTORY?
FOR SEVEN YEARS, CC. HAS PRESENTED MORE THAN 30 EXHIBITIONS IN COMMERCIAL SPACE, IN COLD SPRING AND BEACON.
WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH OUTDOOR SCULPTURE?
C.C. MAINTAINED AN OUTDOOR SCULPTURE “GARDEN” AT OUR BEACON GALLERY FOR FIVE YEARS, PRESENTED A SUMMER LONG OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION- EARTHTONES, AT THE UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT, BEACON, N.Y.
WHAT IS YOUR FINANCIAL BASE?
INCOME IS DERIVED FROM PRIVATE DONATIONS THAT ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTABLE.
WHO ARE YOUR REFERENCES?
1. JOYCE PICONE, EXEC.DIRECTOR, PUTNAM ARTS COUNCIL
2. LIBBY TURNOCK, EXEC. DIRECTOR, GARRISON ART CENTER
3. BENJAMIN KREVOLIN, PRESIDENT, DUTCHESS COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
4. PATRICK FREEMAN, DIRECTOR, UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT, BEACON
