MWPAI Receives Grant for Building Repair, Exhibition

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute (MWPAI) in Utica has been awarded a grant in the amount of $397,511 from Empire State Development (ESD), the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) and the New York State Department of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation to repair and preserve the granite façade of its Philip Johnson-designed Museum of Art building. 

This nationally registered historic structure is a seminal example of mid-20 century architecture as well as the home of one of the region’s most significant permanent collections of fine and decorative art. An additional grant in the amount of $76,905 from the Market New York program was awarded to MWPAI as marketing support for the Museum of Art’s 2018 Summer exhibition, ‘Kimono! The Artistry of Itchiku Kubota.” Both awards were announced as part of a ceremony held at the Albany Convention Center hosted by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and ESD President and CEO Howard Zemsky.

The Museum of Art building, constructed in 1960, is clad in a stunning façade of Canadian black granite slabs. Over time, the weight of the granite, exacerbated by upstate New York winters, has become too great to hang without additional support, creating significant safety concerns. This project will address the situation and accurately restore the historic facade, protecting the building from further damage.

The exhibition, “KIMONO! The Artistry of Itchiku Kubota,” which will be on view June 10 through September 16, 2018. “Kimono!” is a display of 48 pictorial kimono, designed by Itchiku Kubota (Japanese, 1917-2003), an artist of international renown. MWPAI is the only United States venue for this exhibition which will also include ceremonial and special-event clothing representing the cultures of the region — from recent refugees to those who have lived here for centuries. Context for Kimono! will be provided by a companion exhibition of Japanese woodblock prints from the Museum’s permanent collection.

The Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute is located at 10 Genesee Street, Utica. For more information, visit their website.