August 2025
State of the Art Gallery
sponsors
promoting our beautiful
and diverse city
and the artists who love it.

This year State of the Art Gallery will again be sponsoring Seeing Ithaca Through the Eyes of Artists. It will take place during the month of August 2025.

Last year’s event included nine galleries, each gallery exhibiting art on the broad theme “Seeing Ithaca”. This year we are expanding the scope to include galleries, artists with studios, and businesses and other venues that show art.

Artists will have their studios open August 10, 12–5. Galleries and other venues will celebrate Gallery Night on August 1, 5–8.

If interested in participating in this event, please contact Seeingithaca@soagithaca.org.

See our interactive map of all the locations listed below.

Seeing Ithaca Special Events
Gallery NightAugust 1, 5-8pm
Finger Lakes Land Trust August 3, 2-4pm
Artist Open StudiosAugust 10, 12-5pm
Look ClubAugust 10, 2-3pm
Art in Bloom with Ithaca Garden ClubAugust 15-17, 12-5pm
All events, except Artist Open Studios, will take place at the State of the Art Gallery.

Susan Ashdown

I love glass and consider the work that I do in stained glass to be jewelry for your windows, My pieces are small, layered, intertwined with silver, and inspired by the natural world. I do this work because I enjoy the process. I love to see my pieces go to people with whom they resonate. All proceeds go to the Dryden Rail Trail, the source of much of my inspiration.

Open August 10.

Marcy Baker

My work bridges the versatility of monotype printmaking with the structure of painting, each informing and influencing the other. This conversation fuels my technique, which includes transfer and resist applications of paint and ink using stencils, printing blocks, and relief plates. I also create collage papers through hand printing and acrylic glazing methods, and incorporate repurposed materials such as sewing patterns, sheet music, and maps – each contributing its own intricate patterns and delicate history.

Open August 10.

Marika Briggs

I invite you to accompany me down the path to my dedicated workshop, where I turn found local wood into graceful functional art. I love to share the resulting beauty of turned wood, while still giving the admirer a moment to consider the origin and path the wood took to reach its new form. I hope you take a moment to imagine the life of the tree that once contained the object you’re looking at.

When you visit, use the large driveway at the brown and green workshop located north of the house.

Open August 10.

Domenica Brockman

I work in two complementary styles—atmospheric landscapes and bold geometric abstractions—reflecting an ongoing dialogue between the natural world and inner, intuitive form. Come explore my latest work, see where I create, and enjoy some artful conversation. I’d love to share it all with you! Find me upstairs from Home Green Home.

Open August 10.

Peter Fortunato

I am an author, artist, and educator. I am primarily an abstract painter working in various sizes, but I also create collages, prints, and mixed media pieces. Since 2013 I have shown my work in many area galleries.

Open August 10.

Monica Franciscus

Using repurposed plastic car bumpers otherwise headed for landfills I create colorful sculptures that can be inside or outside. These parts, originally designed to withstand the elements, are highly engineered, aerodynamic with metallic colors that take on new life, no longer resembling an automobile. The towers are illuminated on the inside with solar lights symbolizing sustainability. Emissions, consumerism, prioritizing Profit, ubiquitous plastic, landfills, politicians and corporations collaborating deciding who makes what are some themes.

Open August 10.

Charlotte Ghiorse

I am a painter, printer, video maker, and installation creator.

Open August 10.

Andrew Gillis

I have been photographing in Ithaca since 1970, primarily in black and white. My focus has been mostly the revealing details rather than large sweeping vistas, and most of my work consists of toned fiber base silver prints made from 4×5 negatives.

Open August 10.

Barbara Harrison

As a visual artist, I wander the environs, eyes in motion–delving into textures, patterns, colors, and lines painted by light. Expanding the view a scene presents by altering perspective. Exploring patterns of illumination, the observer has a chance to visualize the possibilities, rather than what is.

Open August 10.

Patricia Hunsinger

My work focuses on the endangered and extinct species of the Susquehanna River area. I work with woodblock prints, screenprints, monotypes, and handmade paper.

Open August 10.

Leslie Ihde

Since beginning to paint landscapes during the pandemic, my current artistic wanderings have led me to paint animals. With loose strokes and soft abstraction, I honor our fellow sentient beings. I paint in oil on paper, Belgian linen and wood panel.

Open August 10.

Cindy Kaufman

I find myself drawn to abstracted floral and landscape themes, exploring the vibrant colors and the exuberant life energy found within. I want to capture the essence of the natural environment as well as the emotional impact I receive. The subject appears to be alive, virtually jumping off the canvas, immersing the viewer into a magical world/space. I create art that brings joy; art that has the power to transform not only interior space but also the human spirit.

Open August 10.

Carol LaBorie

Textiles, fiber, and paper are my primary mediums. When you visit my studio this summer, I will be making handmade paper from locally foraged plant fiber that I will incorporate into two- and three-dimensional art with my own photographs of the local landscape.

Open August 10.

Harry Littell

My photographs and books explore the built environment of upstate New York.

Open August 10.

Michael Ludgate

I am currently a part time professional photographer specializing in outdoor landscape and nature images. I also enjoy photographically documenting outdoor nature and conservation related events. I take photographs of landscapes and up-close flora to promote awareness of our natural world and the importance of protecting it

Open August 10.

Austin MacRae

My acrylic paintings explore the intersection of space and memory, drawing from both representational and abstract traditions. My ongoing series “Open Concept” takes elements of local landscape and blends them with interior objects from my memory. Inspired by drawings, photos, plein air sketches, and my spur-of-the-moment imagination, I create landscapes that often have a surreal twist. Light is also a major subject in my paintings, embellished by techniques such as glazing and mixing in acrylic mediums. I invite you to step inside my day-to-day world of experimentation and whimsy!

Open August 10.

Carlton J. Manzano

Representational oil paintings of landscapes. My artwork is painted outdoors in an impressionistic to realistic style.

Open August 10.

Rhonda Mapes

I’m a ceramicist with a studio in my basement, hoping to have a pottery sale in my driveway during August. I make functional pottery using a variety of stoneware clay bodies. I love the concept of using beautiful art everyday. I use both commercial and homemade glazes fired to cone 5 or 6. Pottery will be for sale on driveway and there will be a studio tour.

Open August 10.

Nancy Medsker

I started painting with soft pastels during Covid and fell in love with this colorful medium immediately. I find it perfect for capturing our beautiful landscapes and flowers because it is so immediate and also forgiving. As an artist I’m often paying attention to the intimate details of nature and where my eye is drawn. It is where I find my inspiration—the light changing during the day, colors, shadow, nature’s bounty, the seasons changing, a new flower blooming, a color here, a color there, it is all so glorious!

Open August 10.

Barbara Mink

I started painting relatively late, and went through as many styles, subjects, and media as I could, before coming happily to rest in a world ofcolor and texture, while incorporating some of the architectonic lines I love. I work mainly in alcohol inks and acrylics. Most of my work is very large, suitable for corporate settings, offices and homes with big walls and good light.

Open August 10

Samite Mulondo

Samite is a world-renowned recording artist who, when not in his music studio, is either in his photography studio or his woodshop. His photographs of Africa, Ithaca, and points in between bring the viewer into his world and the moments that touch his soul. Each of Samite’s unique hand-carved bowls is an heirloom piece that is organic in form—influenced by the nature of the wood and finished with food-safe oil for versatility in your home.

Open August 10.

Diane Newton

The work I will show of Ithaca are drawings in pastel on black Arches paper—44″ horizontally 30″ vertical.

Open August 10.

Graham Ottoson

I grow gourds and turn them into lamps and other functional works of art.

Open August 10.

Rachel Philipson

I focus on fine art photographs, cards, and textiles.

Open August 10.

Minna Resnick

My work has always addressed issues confronting women. Words and images common to one generation may be unknown to another. My work examines the changing nature of experience over time and aging, and comments on expectation and reality, the ideal and the everyday, and the debate which continues to occur when women confront themselves and their role in society.

Open August 10.

Michael Sampson

Abstracted paintings, monotypes, and mono prints from the figure.

Open August 10.

Annie Sheng

I am a Finger Lakes based visual artist who specializes in bold acrylic, gouache, and sumi ink paintings, often speculative and narrative in nature, as well as other media, such as ceramics, found objects, and digital art. I received my Ph.D. in Anthropology at Cornell University in 2022 and my paintings reflect my interest in mythology, foodways, the natural world, ecology and human connection.

Open August 10.

Sheryl Sinkow

I am a professional photographer and work with commercial, non-profit and individual clients. My challenge in making photographs has always been to incorporate a sense of movement with the stillness of the medium.

Open August 10.

Ethel Vrana

My early impressionistic landscapes have evolved into abstract paintings, inspired by the fundamental shapes and colors in nature. I enjoy exploring new techniques using oil and acrylic paints, pastel sticks, transparent inks, layered painting, and collage.

Open August 10.

State of the Art Gallery

We are a cooperative fine art gallery operated by our members from the Finger Lakes region of New York, seeking to enhance the cultural and economic vitality of our community. Information about our members and their contacts can be found at our members page.

Community Arts Partnership

For over 30 years, our grants, programs, and services have been a driving force behind the vibrant arts community of Ithaca and Tompkins County. Visit our CAP ArtSpace page.

Community School of Music and Arts

Our August art exhibition at CSMA will be the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. Their show theme will be Collective Nouns for Animals.

Danby Gathery Art Works

Danby Gathery Art Works is a vibrant, artist-run space dedicated to showcasing and supporting local talent. Our mission is to provide a platform for artists to display their work, connect with art enthusiasts, and foster creativity. Here, you’ll find a diverse range of artworks that reflect the unique perspectives and experiences of our artists.

Featured artists in August will be pastel painters Nancy Medsker and Susan Mandl with additional artwork by Barbara Behrman, Marika Briggs, Erika Median, Kate Bevington,and Michael Ludgate. We are opened Thursday through Sunday, noon to 6:00, with entrance via Goldenrod Depot.

The Gallery at South Hill

There will be a one person exhibit at The Gallery at South Hill in August featuring the artwork of Ithaca based Teresa Bakota Yatsko. Teresa makes use of upcycled books, found objects, and plant based materials, such as moss and lichen. Her sculptural pieces display whimsical dioramas, playful manikins cloaked in words, and sculpted paper ornamentations.

The Mink Gallery

The Mink Gallery opened in 2014, a converted carriage house in the middle of a beautiful garden, created by the artist’s husband. The gallery is open the first Friday and Saturday of every month and any time by appointment. Mink often shares the gallery with other artists who may not have a place to show their work.

MIX Art Gallery & Event Space

MIX Art Gallery is an ever evolving art gallery and event space featuring contemporary art for your home or office. See featured artists in the gallery space, on the Ithaca Commons, or shop all artists work online at our web site.

Petrune Gallery/Studio

Petrune Gallery/Studio is an exhibition space and the studio workshop of Domenica Brockman. Hours may vary—open most Saturdays, and by appointment. Check website for details.

Atelyay

Atelyay is a small art space with a drive to support and encourage artists of all ages and experience levels. Atelyay offers art classes, workshops, and private lessons as well as exhibitions.

Grayhaven Motel

The Inlet Valley Arts Center hosts a monthly gallery show in the lounge of the Grayhaven Motel. The Grayhaven Motel is a boutique, mid century modern motel hosting travellers in 18 rooms. For August, our featured art is Wind, Waves and Water: Seneca Stone Art by Michael Callahan.

Handwork

Handwork is owned and staffed by its artist members. Our shop features a plethora of fine handcrafted goods and home decor, including pottery, woodwork, glass, jewelry, fiber arts, and more. Please visit our website for more information.

Ithaca Print Commons

Ithaca Print Commons is an art space in downtown Ithaca, New York, dedicated to providing access, education, and print services to the Ithaca community and beyond through workshops, exhibitions, and more. Get in on the fun at Ithaca Print Commons.

For further information, email Seeing Ithaca.