Dear New York Studio School Community,

It is my privilege to write to you as the new Executive Director of the New York Studio School, a position originally held by Sidney Geist when the School first opened. I am an alumnus of the school and studied there in the 1990’s, alongside many of the faculty and alumni on the Board of Governors. As a radically independent institution, operating in an historic building that has hosted a hundred and twenty years of American art and artists, I believe the New York Studio School is uniquely positioned to evolve and thrive in the twenty-first century. But these are extremely challenging times for cultural institutions. My primary focus will be evaluating and implementing the long-term strategic plan and I am delighted to be working with Dean Kaitlin McDonough, who has seen the School through so many changes, including launching the virtual programs in 2020. Together we are happy to share some significant news for this academic year.

Stewardship of our Historic Building  

Over the summer, the School commissioned and reviewed a building assessment and feasibility study by Baird Architects to address needed repairs, propose renovations, and to explore more effective use of space in the building. Thanks to the recent approval of grants from Federal, State and City agencies, and the generosity of several Board members, a Building Fund has been established and is already partially funded. Essential repairs and roofing work will begin in the next three months. Plans are now in development for a comprehensive restoration and update of the building, and we look forward to sharing more information about this and other updates over the next few months.

Stewardship of our Mission 

As we restore and improve our physical space, we will review academic programming and enhancements as well. Thanks to the generosity of some Board members, cornerstone gifts have established funds for excellence in teaching and other programming. Scholarship funds continue to be generously funded by our supporters and will remain a priority. Kaitlin and I will be hosting discussion meetings with students, faculty, alumni and the wider school community on these topics, and more, over the course of the semester. Please look out for notice about those gatherings and please join us.

Public Programming 

There will be compelling exhibits and lectures this fall semester. Some highlights of our fall public programming are an exhibition of works by Ann Craven traveling from Bowdoin College, now showing in our historic Gallery, and an exhibition of historic works by Joseph Marioni, curated by Karen Wilkin, planned for later this semester. Our fall Evening Lecture Series opens on September 30 and a full list of speakers is available here.

At our fall Benefit Auction & Party on October 29, we will honor artist Katherine Bradford, author and critic Michael Brenson, and philanthropist Francis Greenburger, founder of Art Omi and Chairman and CEO of Time Equities. The event will be hosted entirely at the School and will feature a program of live music, silent auction, live art-making, and unique performances. We hope you will join us.

Board of Trustees  

Maud Bryt, an alumna and Board member for eight years, was elected Chairperson of the Board of Trustees in July, succeeding F. Anthony Zunino III after ten years of his steadfast leadership. Anthony will remain on the Board. Deanna King will continue as Secretary, and Steven D. Shaffer will continue as Treasurer. We are also happy to welcome to the Board of Trustees Whit Conrad, Joyce Shapiro, Anne Delaney, and Ian Highet, all of whom have studied at the School and bring great wisdom and expertise to the Board. We thank our outgoing trustees: Carleen Murdock for her long and fruitful service, Seward Ryan, and Keith White.

I very much look forward to meeting and talking with all of you, whether students, faculty, staff, alumni, or friends of the school, during this coming year.

Sincerely,

Matthew Ritchie 

Executive Director 

PDF Letter from Executive Director Matthew Ritchie