In this series local art collectors open their private spaces to a small group of registered guests. The host collector offers an informal guided tour of their collection. Each collector sets the best date, time, duration, maximum number of guests as well as other parameters of the program.

​The series began in 2021. This is the seventh program in the series.

The exact address of this program in Rochester, New York was not disclosed to the public. Only registered guests received the address.

An informal tour of the collection was provided by our hosts. Questions & conversation in the context of the tour was be encouraged. A light, non-alcoholic beverage was be provided to attendees free of charge.

Due to strong interest in this tour the hosts offered two groups of ten people each the opportunity to see their art collection.

This was a "members only" program. All tickets were free of charge.

About the collection:

Our hosts' art collection is contained in a modest early 20th century two family home on the City of Rochester's eastside. The house sets on typical city lot at the end of a quiet, leafy street within walking distance of a park. The interior design is simple and neutral. There are few architectural flourishes to compete with the works on display. Large windows supply mostly indirect natural light.

These collectors (a couple married for nearly 30 years) have chosen to install a gallery-style hanging system so works may be moved in and out with some ease. Very often they will rotate out dozens of works at a time to accomodate an entirely new grouping inspired by a theme in their collection they would like to explore; as is the case with the arrangement attendees will see during the tour. More on the theme below.

The earliest works populating this collection were purchased nearly 40 years ago. All have been purchased on a tight budget. Works in the collection range from fairly traditional to more contemporary in style and approach. They tend to be small in scale. Nearly all were created after 1980 by artists associated with the Rochester region. Since the collectors have limited space only a small fraction can be displayed at any time. Works not on display are kept in a storage area using a simple DIY design. The storage design system allows them to see and access the works as well as move them in and out as needed.

What's most notable about this particular collection is how the collectors have adopted ideas & methods of experiencing works in their collection in ways more common to non-profit exhibition spaces. These collectors go to uncommon lengths to engage with the works they own and integrate them into their everyday lives.

A little bit about the art that was on display.

Attendees saw more than three dozen works of art created by women artists from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. (The collectors estimate that 75% or more of the works they own were made by women.) The main theme of the display, however, was one particular aspect of all the works shown. Within the main theme were subthemes that stimulated and provoked your the attendees aesthetic sensibilities. Many of the works were created within the last ten years including several by esteemed local muralists & a tattoo artist. Five of the works on display had not been seen in a public exhibition space for over 30 years.

Rochester Art Collectors collaborated with the Rochester Public Library to present a very special program featuring the 12th Annual International Juried Art Of The Book & Paper exhibition alongside a panel of experts at the Rundel Memorial Library.
​
The 12th Annual International Juried Art Of The Book & Paper exhibition included more than 100 works by artists from the Rochester region and all over the world!

6:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Exhibition/Social Mixer

Attendees had thirty minutes before the panel presentation to experience the 12th Annual International Juried Art Of The Book & Paper exhibition and socialize before the program begins.

7 :00 PM - 7:15 PM: Welcome & Presentation

Rome Celli from Rochester Art Collectors introduced Melissa Manczuk, librarian at the Rundel Memorial Library. Melissa talked briefly about the art department at the library and her role as a member of the Art of the Book & Paper 2023 Exhibits Team. Rome then introduced the panelists: Rachael Gootnick, Martha Schermerhorn & Scott McCarney and facilitated the panel presentation.

7 :15 PM - 8:00 PM: Panel Presentation & Discussion

Panelists talked about book arts in general and the 12th Annual International Juried Art Of The Book & Paper exhibition. In particular, Rachael Gootnick offerred insights into the judging process; Martha Shermerhorn talked about what the exhibition means to individual artists; and Scott McCarney talked about the book arts, altered books and paper sculpture landscape out in the world. All the panelists touched on their work and artistic practices. Q & A will followed the presentation.

The video above was recorded by Mike Molaire at the Rundel Memorial Library on January 3, 2024

​​8 :00 PM - 8:30 PM: After the panel attendees had another opportunity to walk through the exhibition.