A Place of Belonging, Discovery, and Community
Celebrate with us this year!
For 25 years, Pratt Munson has provided the foundation for ambitious, curious young artists and designers. Each year, about 100 students from across the U.S. and the world come to Utica to begin their bachelor of fine arts journey, immersing themselves in two years of focused making and exploration. After relocating to Pratt Institute in Brooklyn to complete their degrees, they join a creative network of more than 3,000 Pratt Munson alumni, carrying with them the skills, confidence, and creative momentum they developed here.
25th Anniversary Family and Alumni Weekend
Oct. 3 to 5
Join us for an exciting weekend back on campus to celebrate 25 years of making artists, connections, and futures! This milestone honors our past and looks ahead to the creativity and collaboration still to come.
Weekend highlights:
+ Reconnect with students and faculty and see all of the exciting changes on the Pratt Munson campus!
+ Attend the Pratt Munson 25th Anniversary Alumni Exhibition showcasing the work of five distinguished alumni representing 25 years of creative excellence!
+ Welcome Reception in Palmer Park
+ Alumni Happy Hour at Saranac Biergarten
+ Artist talks and faculty demos
Weekend Schedule:
Friday, October 3
3 p.m.
Artist Talk: 25 Years of Making Alumni Exhibition Artists
Location: Sinnott Family – Bank of Utica Auditorium
4–6 p.m.
Opening Reception: 25 Years of Making Alumni Exhibition
Location: Pratt Munson Gallery and Sculpture Grove (Rain location: Root Court)
Faculty and Alumni Mixer featuring Whiskey Hickson
Location: Sculpture Grove (Rain location: Root Court)
5 p.m.
Alumni Group Photo
Location: Sculpture Grove (Rain location: Root Court)
6 p.m.
Alumni meet-up at Saranac Brewery’s Oktoberfest
Location: 830 Varick St., Utica, N.Y. 13502
Saturday, October 4
9 a.m.–noon
- Campus Tours
9:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
Location: Genesee Street Studio
9:45 a.m.
State of the College
Location: Genesee Street Studio
10:15 a.m.
Artist Talk: Jared Diaz ’14
Location: Genesee Street Studio
Pumpkin Painting
Location: Sculpture Grove
10:45 a.m.
Figure Drawing with Ken Marchione
Location: Genesee Street Studio
11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Trip to the Utica Zoo!
Location: Utica Zoo, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica, N.Y. 13501
noon
Lunch in the Grove with Faculty
Enjoy some local barbecue from Piggy Pat’s
Location: Sculpture Grove (rain location: Root Court)
1-3 p.m.
Pratt Munson First Works Show
Location: McCulley Student Gallery, 14 Cottage Place
Plein Air Painting with Chad Smith
Location: Sculpture Grove (rain location: Root Court)
6 p.m.
- Dinner on Your Own
8–9:30 p.m.
Alumni Dessert Mixer
Location: Sculpture Grove (rain location: Root Court)
Sunday, October 5
10 a.m.
Farewell Brunch
Location: Dining Hall
Pay at the door; $10 cash
TBD a.m.
Experience the Adirondacks with the Adirondack Railroad
Location: 321 Main St., Utica, N.Y. 13501
25th Anniversary Alumni Exhibition
Opening Reception: Friday, Oct. 3 | 3 to 5 p.m.
Show Dates: Friday, Oct. 3 - Friday, Oct. 31
The Pratt Munson Gallery is located on the second floor of the Museum of Art’s Fountain Elms.
In honor of Pratt Munson’s 25th Anniversary, the Pratt Munson Gallery is hosting an alumni exhibition during Family and Alumni Weekend.
Featuring Artists:
+Lisa Champ: Class of 2009 | Communications Design
+ Caitlyn D'Amico: Class of 2017 | Painting & Fashion Design
+ Mark DiOrio: Class of 2002 | Photography
+ Erick Nilson: Class of 2012 | Sculpture
+ Anniella Pettingill: Class of 2024 | Illustration
Restaurants
Bring your Pratt Munson student ID and get a 10% discount at the following local restaurants this weekend:
- Ancora!
(Italian), Closed Sundays - Lotus Garden Noodle and Sushi House
(Southeast Asian) - Swifty's Restaurant and Pub
(Irish and American) - The Tramontane Cafe
(Coffee, Soup, Sandwiches, Vegan/Vegetarian/Gluten -
and Dairy-free Options) - Utica Coffee Roasting Company
(Coffee, Light Breakfast Options)
Activities
Itching to explore the Utica area? Check out these local venues and events:
- Munson! See our summer exhibition,
Celestial Bodies: Sculpture by Karen LaMonte, (Docent greeters are available
from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday.) - Utica Zoo: the first 100 visitors from Munson
get in for FREE - Adirondack Railroad: The Fall “Gateway”
Train, leaves at 11:30 a.m. and returns at
4:30 p.m. (Must RSVP and pay in advance) - 50th Annual Falling Leaves Road Race
presented by Utica First Insurance: 9 a.m.,
Saturday, Sept. 22 (Register Here)
Hotels
Stay your way with comfort and style—check out these great local options:
- Hampton Inn
- Hilton
- Fairfield by Marriott
- Rosemont Inn Bed & breakfast
- Holiday Inn Express
Looking for a group hotel booking?
