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Monica Church
Visual Artist/Curator specializing in painting, collage, exhibition curating, design & installation.
Professional Background
Monica Church is an accomplished visual artist known for her dynamic studio practice that encompasses collage, mixed-media painting, and digital photography. Her innovative approach to visual arts has earned her a reputation as an influential figure within the art community. Monica's work spans a multitude of artistic formats, showcasing her versatility and depth of creativity. As an exhibited artist, her contributions to the contemporary art scene are evident through her active installations and curatorial projects, wherein she brings together artists and audiences seeking to explore contemporary themes and cultural dialogues.
Curatorial Experience
Monica's curatorial experience includes a series of well-regarded exhibitions at Vassar College's James Palmer Gallery. Notable exhibitions she has curated include "The World After January 20, 2017: Contemporary Artists and Poets" in 2017, which explored the contemporary political landscape through the lens of art and poetry. In 2018, she produced a catalog for "Eric Lindbloom, A Retrospective," celebrating the impactful career of this significant artist. Other notable exhibitions include "In Conversation: Sophia Healy and Andrea Woodner" in 2015, which highlighted the dialogue between two creative minds, and "Palate of Asia: Food Culture from Across the Ocean" in association with PHOCUS and the 2015 New York Conference on Asian Studies, which brought awareness to the cultural significance of food through artistic presentation.
Two iterations of "The Flip Side" showcase creative practices by members of the Vassar College community in 2013 and 2019, highlighting collaborative efforts and creativity within the educational institution. Additionally, Monica played a vital role in "Through the Student Lens: Photographs of and by Vassar Students 1865 – 2011," an exhibition in honor of Vassar College's Sesquicentennial that reflected on the rich history of student life through photography. These projects underscore Monica's commitment to fostering artistic expression and supporting emerging artists in the community.
In 2015, Monica was a vital member of Team Chihuly, participating in the installation and deinstallation of "Ulysses Cylinders: Dale Chihuly & Seaver Leslie" at the Thompson Memorial Library, further showcasing her ability to work collaboratively on significant artistic projects.
Education and Achievements
Monica Church's academic background is robust and foundation for her artistic and artistic direction. She earned her M.F.A. in Painting from the University of Kentucky, where she honed her technical skills and theoretical understanding of visual arts. Prior to that, she completed her B.A. in Visual Arts, with concentrations in Painting and Graphics, at Bennington College. These educational experiences have shaped her artistic voice and contributed to her growth as a visual artist.
Her commitment to education is also reflected in her comprehensive teaching career. Monica has held positions at various colleges, including serving as Adjunct Faculty at both Dutchess Community College and Marist College. Her role as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the State University of New York at New Paltz and Transylvania University allowed her to inspire and mentor the next generation of artists through formal instruction, sharing her extensive knowledge of visual arts.
Monica has also worked in various capacities at Vassar College, including as the Associate Director for the James W. Palmer '90 Gallery and as the Coordinator of Public Education and Programs at The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center. Her involvement in these roles demonstrates her commitment to education and her passion for engaging the community with meaningful art experiences. She has also collaborated as an Independent Consultant & Installer at the James Palmer Art Gallery, where she continued to support the installation of visual arts while contributing to the gallery's mission.
Leadership and Community Engagement
In addition to her curatorial and teaching experiences, Monica serves as an advisor to PHOCUS and the Baldeck Photographic Center at Vassar College. In this capacity, she provides guidance and expertise to enhance the centers' missions of promoting visual literacy, photographic excellence, and the ongoing exploration of photography as a fine art medium. This advisory role aligns with her belief in the importance of nurturing artistic talent and fostering a supportive environment for artists.
Monica's outreach extends beyond the academe, as she actively engages with the local and artistic communities through various teaching and workshop initiatives. Her background as an Arts & Crafts Instructor at Niemanville and as a Teaching Artist at DIA Beacon underlines her steadfast dedication to community involvement and education.
Achievements
Monica Church's artistic journey is marked by numerous achievements, both academically and professionally.
