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2020 Everson Teen Arts Council Exhibition

This exhibition features work made by Central New York high school students and curated by the Everson Teen Council through an open call for entries. Teen Council members collaborated to select a theme, curate works, and write wall text, teaching Council members how museum exhibitions come to life. This exhibition is to be viewed virtually while we are temporarily closed due to Covid-19. Despite the unforeseen challenges and setbacks, our Teen Council remained committed to completing their curatorial project and appreciate the support of the Central New York community. We hope the virtual exhibition allows for greater access to their work and that you will enjoy viewing from the safety of your homes during this time.

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Interview with Ahmed Badr

Caitlin Albright sits down with poet and social entrepreneur, Ahmed Badr, to discuss his new book "While the Earth Sleeps We Travel: Stories, Poetry, and Art from Young Refugees Around the World." Ahmed describes the importance of providing space for people to creatively tell their stories, his fellowship performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and his plans for continuing the work of his organization. "While the Earth Sleeps We Travel" also features poetry by Teen Council alumna, Khadija Sharif.

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Interview with Hillerbrand + Magsamen

Caitlin Albright speaks with the husband and wife artistic duo, Stephan Hillerbrand and Mary Magsamen, based in Houston, Texas. Stephan and Mary discuss how their own home has become the subject and backdrop of their work, which they describe as “suburban fluxus”. They describe how they’ve done everything from tunnel through the walls, put a trampoline in their son’s bedroom, and build a three story spaceship in the backyard. Stephan and Mary also share the importance of shifting your perspective as an artist to make use of the space that surrounds you.

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Interview with Vanessa German Part 2

Vanessa German’s interview continues with a discussion of her ARThouse project in her Pittsburgh neighborhood. She also shares the invaluable advice that young artists need to pay attention to themselves, notice what brings them joy or fear, and the importance of trusting yourself.

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Interview with Vanessa German Part 1

Caitlin Albright sits down with artist and activist, Vanessa German. Vanessa discusses how the act of creating played an integral role in her upbringing and how she uses her art today as a source of love, grace, and empowerment. In this two part interview, Vanessa delves into the idea behind her Power Figures series and what these figures represent to her as a Black queer female artist.

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Interview with Mildred Beltre

Caitlin Albright is joined by artist and activist Mildred Beltre for a discussion about the unique role artists have in the fight for social justice while also noting that art alone is not enough to bring about change. Mildred challenges museums to question how they can be more inclusive and think about the steps they need to take to diversify their staff and visitors. She also shares valuable advice for young creatives who are navigating the art world.

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Interview with Bryan Fernandez

Caitlin Albright is joined by one of her first Teen Council students, Bryan Fernandez. Bryan is currently pursuing a career in the arts and discusses how artists can use their voices to advocate for change in our society. Bryan shares about his own involvement in the Black Lives Matter protests and gives advice on how museums and cultural institutions can use their own platforms to support people of color through the arts.

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Interview with Davana Robedee

Caitlin Albright speaks to the Schweinfurth Art Center’s Program Director, Davana Robedee. Davana discusses her experience of dealing with life in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and it’s similarities to our current situation with Covid-19. She also shares advice on how to develop a skillset to further your career in the arts and the challenges and rewards of her current position.

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Interview with Karen Convertino

Everson Registrar, Karen Convertino, joins Caitlin Albright for a discussion about the challenges and joys of maintaining the Museum’s collection. Karen also discusses how her college and internship experiences influenced her interest in the arts and how she maintains her own jewelry making business outside of the Everson.

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Interview with Ariana Dibble

Caitlin Albright sits down with Ariana Dibble, the Everson’s Graphic Designer. Ariana discusses how she turned her passion for art into a career, the types of skills and experience a graphic designer needs to be successful, as well as the most challenging and rewarding parts of her job.

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Interview with Steffi Chappell

Caitlin Albright is joined by the Everson Museum’s Assistant Curator, Steffi Chappell. Steffi discusses how she turned her lifelong interest in the arts into a career as a curator, how her role requires her to work with several museum departments, and shares advice for anyone curious about pursuing this field.

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Interview with Kimberly Griffiths

Caitlin Albright sits down with Kimberly Griffiths, the Everson’s Curator of Education. Kimberly discusses how her background in Studio Art eventually led to a career in Museum Education, the importance of communication skills in her line of work, as well as her favorite and most challenging aspects of her role at the Everson.

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Interview with Meirav Ong

Caitlin Albright, Education Coordinator, speaks with artist Meirav Ong. Meirav reflects on how she developed her interest in the arts, her tips for exhibiting in galleries, and the importance of learning to trust yourself as you pursue a creative career.

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Interview with Catherine Underhill

Caitlin Albright, Education Coordinator, talks with the Everson’s Director of Development, Catherine Underhill, to discuss the skills and educational experiences that helped her find success in her career, the traits she looks for in an intern, and how flexibility is essential in the arts.