Working in a wide range of media and styles, the twelve artists showed art that reflected on the idea of time and how its passage manifests itself in their work. This exhibit marks the first time the group will exhibit their work together, expanding on the relationships and professional growth produced within the MARK program.

MARK is the New York Foundation for the Arts' statewide six-month program for visual artists who want a unique opportunity for individualized focus on the professional side of their creative practice. MARK is designed to address the concerns of artists living outside New York City, while providing them with a new network statewide. Participating artists can expect MARK to spark goals and help to define concrete steps, while providing individual and group feedback on how to better present the artists’ work.

The MARK program focuses on strategies for expanding the visibility of an artist. The curriculum emphasizes goal setting and includes using the Internet effectively, strengthening grant or project applications, improving writing and speaking about one’s work, and identifying exhibition opportunities. Between seminars, the artists are assigned projects related to their specific goals.

The first MARK program ran in the spring of 2008 with the help of six partnering local arts organizations throughout New York State, CCCA being the partner for the Hudson Valley. The competition for the MARK program in the Hudson Valley was fierce, with the largest number of applicants coming from the City of Hudson. The artist applicants submitted examples of their work, a biography, and a statement of their goals.

Those accepted in to the program met for a series of four workshops which took places over a period of six months and culminated with a weekend retreat in New York City.

The program helped Lisa Breznak focus on her work. She said she gained confidence. In one workshop, NYFA had a magazine and photo editor work with the artists to create their own websites.

Mimi Czajka Graminski, speaking for the twelve participants, made this statement: “The artists are grateful to the CCCA and to Sue Chiafullo, acting director, who was instrumental in arranging and supporting this exhibit. We appreciated the efforts of the CCCA former director Jan Hanvik, in bringing the program to the Hudson Valley, sponsoring and hosting it. 

“Our gratitude goes to NYFA, originator of the program, and to Christa Blatchford, NYFA Learning Officer. Many thanks are due to HOH for hosting and sponsoring the exhibit and to Joe Herwick and Gary Schiro for their assistance in assembling the exhibit.”