NEWS
March 2023
AW Roundtable Discussion - March 8th, 2023
A group shot from the Arts Westchester Roundtable at @yofidmac with CEO Janet Langsam, our creative community/friends from other downtown arts orgs & legislator Christopher Johnson.
A special thanks to Artist and team member Valerie Spalek for representing US+U/Warburton Galerie at this event!
February 2023
Arts Alive Grant Award - February 2023
We’re pleased to announce being chosen for an Arts Alive grant for our Community Arts Education Series for both Youth and Adults!
This award will enable us to provide free or low cost educational workshops covering various creative mediums for members of our community.
We couldn’t be more grateful for this funding and the opportunity it presents for the many that will benefit!
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by ArtsWestchester. We also could not accept this award without the support of Mayor Mike Spano /the city of Yonkers who help to provide the platform for all the great arts & cultural activities in the downtown.
October 2022
AW Project Grant Award - October 27, 2022
We are pleased share that our next exhibition will be a partnership with Julio Valdez & Ezequiel Taveras of JVS Project in Harlem NY to bring an extraordinary printmaking show to Warburton Galerie!
This exhibition features the work of over 50 printmakers all a part of this years 3rd Annual Latin American Art Triennial.
In addition to the show the gallery will host monotype printmaking workshops and 3 film screening events that coincide with the exhibitions theme. Stay tuned for press release and calendar of dates for this special initiative!
US+U is proud to be a grantee of ArtsWestchester with funding for this event made possible by Westchester County government with the support of County Executive George Latimer.
Please CLICK HERE for more information about this project.
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August 2022
NYC Summer Streets - August 20, 2022
We had a great Saturday hosting visitors as an Arts & Cultural Partner at NYC Summer Streets produced by the NYC Department of Transportation!
On-site artists that facilitated this activity:
Katrina Avino Barracato & Amanda Ioco
March 2022
Restart the Arts Grant Award - March 23, 2022
We’re pleased to announce we’ve been awarded an ArtsWestchester “Restart the Arts” Grant and are feeling proud about this one in particular & the programming it will fund.
Our director wrote this request in response to a need we saw in our immediate community - the need to create comprehensive inclusive art programming for children with special needs and also in support of their parents /care givers.
This initiative includes professional development workshops for teaching artists, a series of art activities for youth, and a writing group/series of art book making workshops for adults . Through this grant award we will be able to employ 16 creative professionals to be a part of this project! We are beyond grateful for just how much positive influence we will be able to create and intend on doing our best to make sure our reach has range!
A huge thank you to Janet Langsam of ARTSW & her team, Westchester County government with the support of County Executive George Latimer, and the City of Yonkers and Mayor Mike Spano, whose support enables us to have a place to host all this wonderful programming for our community.
August 2021
NYC Summer Streets - August 8, 2021
We had a great Saturday hosting visitors as an Arts & Cultural Partner at NYC Summer Streets produced by the NYC Department of Transportation! Participants got a short color theory lesson and got to create and leave with a fun piece of art.
On-site artists that facilitated this activity:
Katrina Avino Barracato (right) & Nathalie Mercado (left)
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December 2020
7 Events to Visit in Yonkers
December 8, 2020
By Paul Joseph
LOCATION 16 Warburton Avenue DATES Through 6 February 2021
To read the full article please visit
https://www.newyorkhotels.org/magazine/events-yonkers-winter/
January 2020
We are grateful to have been a part of the Arts Westchester Fundraising Challenge and been successful/awarded!
This award is made possible with funds from the decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature and administered by ArtsWestchester.
Pictured L to R: Dave Steck (YoFi), Amanda ioco (Urban Studio Unbound), Anne Frascaretti (Yonkers Philharmonic), The Honorable Christopher Johnson (County Legislator), Blue Door Art Center, Ed Domingo
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July 2019
We are pleased to announce the US+U is an Arts Westchester 2019 Yonkers Initiative Grant Recipient!
This award will partially fund a youth education program, stay tuned for further details & class announcements.
Here’s a few pictures from the awards ceremony that we attended with other Yonkers Organizations/friends!
January 2019
US+U is pleased to announced being awarded a partnership grant from Arts Westchester!
We teamed up with artist Lindsey Francis and collaborated on a 8 session drawing curriculum for adults. The workshop, entitled "Visualization & Form", will introduce the fundamental ideas and materials used in drawing. Subject emphasis is on still-life and the human figure.
Our Education Coordinator Amanda Jeannine Ioco will photo document the sessions as well as act as a teaching assistant to Lindsey, helping her manage supplies and offering a second set of hands! The workshop will conclude with an exhibition of artwork made in the class, organized by our curator, Melissa Starke.
This 8 session workshop will only require a $20 registration contribution from participants but all supplies included ! Stay tuned for schedule and open enrollment.
We are beyond grateful for this opportunity and look forward to hosting participants!
**This project was made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program (DEC), a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature and administrated by ArtsWestchester.
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August 2018
Urban Studio Unbound artists Melissa Starke, Amanda Ioco & Katrina Avino-Barracato led a Color Theory Workshop where participants created "penny spinners" based on specific color combinations for NYC Summer Streets 2018.
August 2018
The Space Outside: Sculptures by Richard Pitts
August 7, 2018 By Jill Conner
Over the course of five decades, Richard Pitts has migrated through the margins of New York City’s art world despite a flourishing career that began in the early 1970s and lasted until the late 1980s, when the popularity of the art market crashed. Once confidence fell, figurative art lost its stature of grace – becoming more human as a form – that reflected different degrees of self-doubt, loathing and inner shame. The weight of pluralism led to the loss of meaning. Painting was considered dead, a new cliché at the time. Richard Pitts stepped away from figurative art and entered into a long-term reflection that focused upon works he had made in the early 1960s while living in Germany, serving in the U.S. Army.
Richard Pitts. Quixotic(2012). Photo courtesy of the artist (on right)
To read the entire article, please click the following link
https://www.riotmaterial.com/sculptures-by-richard-pitts/
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May 2018
Melissa Starke, Urban Studio Unbound Gallery Director/Gallery Curator (US+U). US+U works in partnership with the City of Yonkers to produce YAW2018.
Joanna Pan: As Gallery Director/Gallery Curator at Urban Studio Unbound, please tell Sold readers what US+U and the City of Yonkers have planned for YAW2018!
Melissa Starke: I'm really excited about the way we are formatting the main pop-up space in the downtown! We have 86 Main St, which is 3 floors spanning approximately 40,000 sq-ft and a ground floor that's approximately 2000 sq ft! I asked the city if this year we could model it like its own art fair, and they were all for it. This means we have one floor (5th-fl) that's 25 individual artist booths, another (4th-fl) that's "Projects" -- large scale art, installation-based work/site-specific work, another (6th-fl) that's "Group Exhibitions" (Brooklyn Brush Studios, Forvll, Hewn Arts, Yellow Fine Arts, and the City-Wide Call For Entry Applicants will be curated into an exhibit of their own by Amanda Ioco, US+U Education and Community Outreach Coordinator. The ground floor has an interactive/hands-on activity. Carrier Pigeon(an artist-run quarterly publication of illustration fiction and fine art), Paper Crown Press, and Guttenberg Arts will be doing mono-printing demos12pm-5pm both days, as well as an exhibition.
To read the entire article, please click the following link
https://www.soldmagny.com/single-post/2018/05/03/This-Sat-Sun-YAW-Experience-A-City-on-the-Move
February 2018
US+U is pleased to announce our partnership with Le Moulin Wine Bar & Eatery to encourage you to enjoy an evening of art, wine and delicious cuisine, at your convenience!
DETAILS:
Gallery Night + 3 Course Pre-Fixe /$35 per person. Pick a Thursday , Friday or Saturday and come to US+U to see our current exhibition. Call ahead to Le Moulin and tell them you are visiting us and would like to make a dinner reservation under our “friends of the gallery” special. While at the gallery we will give you a small card (see pics w this post) that you will bring with you to redeem the offer. – and VOILA! -that simple! It’s a great way to spend an evening and an excellent discount on a great meal!
ABOUT:
Le Moulin Eatery and Wine Bar is located in historic Downtown Yonkers right on the Hudson River Waterfront. Chef Colwell serves proprietary interpretations of French cuisine, inspired by her youth and perfected by her decades of culinary research and experience.
The restaurant's interior is inspired by the rustic charm of rural France and the sleek minimalism of today's finest restaurants. The thoughtful curation of the space lends itself to a sense of calm and peace. The food and wine offer comfort, impact and satisfaction.
*Each card is good for 2 guests, AFTER FEB 15TH -must have card in your possession to redeem discount. Reservations required.
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January 2018
“US+U Artist David Boyajian gives welding lessons at his sculpture facility"
US+U Curator/Artist Melissa Starke and Board Member/Artist Britta Siddell made a visit to David’s Boyajian's sculpture grounds + training faculty in Fairfield, Connecticut. David teaches weekly welding classes and also has an onsite art gallery which features work over a range of mediums.
Both artists left with finished work and the whole process was documented by our Artist in Residence Alexandra Momin.
For more information about David’s facility/classes please visit : www.davidboyajian.com
IG: davidboyajian_sculpture
November 2017
US+U signs on to host the YoFi Red Carpet Event, celebrating its 5th year in 2017.
Honored as one of FilmFreeways "Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals" and voted “Best of Westchester” in Westchester Magazine’s annual 2014 poll and named one of the “Top 10 Things To Do In Yonkers” in 2015 by The Journal News/LoHud.com, YoFi Fest is curated by award-winning film and television professionals and designed to encourage audiences and filmmakers to watch and talk about movies together.
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November 2017
US+U is pleased to announce Digital/Mixed Media Artist Alexandra Momin as our Artist-in-Residence November 2017-May 2018!
"During this residency, I would like to push the boundaries of each medium I’ve been working with. This opportunity would allow me to carry out my digital form of collaging into a more sculptural form using plexi, aluminum, wood, and paper. Additionally, I plan to create a video installation bringing motion to the abstracted landscapes. Having the space to spread out with my materials and tools as well as the time to explore new techniques would be invaluable to me. With a minimum of 4 months, I will be able to accomplish a cohesive body of work that transcends my previous attempts to portray emotion within urban landscape."
September/October 2017
Artist-In-Residence Amanda Ioco gears up for the opening of her solo exhibition titled "Assembled Stills: Quiet Remains". The show opened on Saturday, September 30th 2017 and was up for 2 weeks. During that time she actively engaged with the local community and was interviewed by a number of news outlets.
Click the link below to read her interview with The Huffington Post!
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/59b7657ee4b0883782dec2b7
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August 12, 2017
Urban Studio Unbound artists Melissa Starke & Amanda Ioco led a Printmaking Workshop using recycled materials for NYC Summer Streets 2017.
June 2017
US+U is pleased to announce our partnership for this important community event!
Photographs and Memorabilia on Display at Downtown Yonkers’s Urban Studio Unbound Gallery, June 10-24
Urban Studio Unbound, committed to nourishing professional development through collaboration, will host Yonkers Fire Department: A Historical Exhibition, at their downtown gallery space, June 10-24. The first iteration of this exhibition will showcase more than a century of department history from the front lines through dynamic photography, memorabilia, and fire related artifacts.
“There is a history here of over 120 years,” recounts a spokesperson for the project. “Not only is this project about education, celebration, and to honor our fallen brothers, it serves as an inclusive archive that is vital to our legacy as a department. It is about giving these artifacts a home where they can be preserved and maintained for the next 120 years, and for generations to come to continue to appreciate and recognize where we all came from.”
Images from prominent fire photographers will be included in the exhibition, along with donated and on-loan relics from the expansive Yonkers Fire Department family and beyond.
EXHIBIT INFORMATION
Yonkers Fire Department: A Historical Exhibition will be on view on select days from Saturday, June 10 through Saturday, June 24.
There will be an opening reception on June 10 from 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. and is open to the public.
Urban Studio Unbound is located at 66 Main Street, #B in downtown Yonkers, (914) 613-4302.
Admission is free for all ages.
Press Contact:
In The Lights PR
Kimberly Giannelli
Kimberly@inthelights.net
For more information, Yonkersfirehistory@gmail.com
March 2017
US+U Artist/Curator Melissa Starke is featured in the Generation Yonkers Campaign representing the gallery.
March 2017
Astoria based artist Amanda Ioco is selected for US+U Artist in Residence Program.
"I would like to continue to explore different compositions and color palettes in my still life drawings and paintings. I will be introducing a new object - the skeleton key/modern key. I’ve slowly been adding more objects to my still life works and I have found that the more I’m working in this traditional way I’m forced to consider art history, all of the still life drawings and paintings that came before mine. I plan to work on three large canvases that will be accompanied by smaller drawings and paintings in a variety of mediums. "
Ms. Ioco will do a 6 month residency at US+U which will conclude with an exhibition of artwork made while onsite.
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April 2016
US+U Artist/President Richard Pitts with his solar totem installation in Salisbury, NC.
April 2016
US+U Artist/President Richard Pitts with his semi-permanent totem sculpture installation at the Yonkers Riverfront Library lobby.
February 2016
US+U Artist Roddy Wildeman has solo exhibition at Jonathan Levine Gallery, Chelsea, NYC. Curated by Melissa Starke
November 21st, 2015
We hosted a tour for a group of young Yonkers Artists via Karla Diaz from the Mayor's Hispanic Advisory Board.
Our Curator Melissa Starke and artist AJ Springer were onsite to talk about the exhibition, the importance of being in a group of your peers, and following your creative passion. Christopher St. Lawrence from the City of Yonkers also stopped by to say a few words of encouragement and welcome them to participate in the various creative activites in the downtown.
This group will be the first students to participate in our portfolio prep workshops beginning in January. Stay tuned for pictures from our workshops and art work from these talented young people!
 AJ Springer talking about her work |
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 Hispanic Advisory Board Tour |
 Christopher St. Lawrence speaks |
 Mayors Hispanic Advisory Board Tour |
 Mayors Hispanic Advisory Board Tour |
 Mayors Hispanic Advisory Board Tour |
October 10, 2015
Urban Studio Unbound held it's Inaugural Exhibition. We hosted over 150 guests as well as the 45+ artists in the show, at our new downtown Yonkers location.
Mayor Mike Spano was in attendance for a ribbon cutting ceremony as well as other city officials such as : Liam McLaughlin, Christopher Johnson, Christopher St. Lawrence & Eddie Ayala.
Photo Credit: Donna Davis /Rising Media Group
A Message from Urban Studio Unbound's Co-Founder Melissa Starke.
Posted by Yonkers Arts Weekly, October 10th, 2015.
 Staff at U.S.+U.Board President: Richard Pitts Curator/Co-Director: Melissa Starke Director: Roddy Wildeman Gallery Assistant: Sara Fasano |
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 WelcomeChristopher St. Lawrence greets visitors |
 Welcome AddressChristopher St. Lawrence greets visitors with welcome address |
 Christopher JohnsonChristopher Johnson gives a speech |
 Liam McLaughlinLiam McLaughlin give a speech |
 Mayor Mike Spano AddressMayor Spano gives address to visitors at U.S.+U. |
 Curator Melissa StarkeMelissa Starke gives a thank you speech for all volunteers that helped with the gallery. |
 Roddy WildemanRoddy Wildeman Director gives a speech |
 Richard PittsRichard Pitts gives a speech |
 ProclamationsMayor presents Proclamations |
 ProclamationsMayor presents Proclamations |
 ProclamationsMayor presents Proclamations |
 ProclamationsMayor presents Proclamations |
 ProclamationsMayor presents Proclamations |
 ProclamationsMayor presents Proclamations |
 ProclamationsMcLaughlin, Wildeman, Pitts, Starke, and Spano |
 Ribbon Cuttingby Mike Spano |
 Ribbon Cuttingby Mike Spano |
 Ribbon Cuttingby Mike Spano |
 Roddy WildemanRoddy Wildeman poses with his work |
 Chris St. LawrenceChristopher St. Lawrence poses with his work |
 Gallery Visitors |
 Gallery Visitors |
 Gallery Visitors |
Video and text by Christopher St. Lawrence
September 2015
This collective of talented artists has been knocking on the Downtown Yonkers art scene door for a while now and we are proud to finally have them here for good! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 10th at 6:30pm for the official grand opening of their gallery in City of Yonkers, Mayor Mike Spano. This is an incredible addition to our emerging Downtown Yonkers Waterfront art scene, see you there!
Founded by Richard Pitts Melissa Starke Gloria Eng and Suikang Zhao-Urban Studio + Unbound is a collective of artists most of whom are faculty, staff or alum from the Fine Arts Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology. This group recently partnered with Roddy Wildeman from Torche' Galerie to collaborate on this creative endeavor!
Posted by Yonkers Arts Weekly on Facebook, Septemeber 10th, 2015.
July 2015
Urban Studio Unbound member, Marcin Wlodarczyk created a site specific sculpture for Yonker's Saw Mill River Daylighting Phase III.
This sculpture, titled Fish Out of Water, was inspired by his appreciation of nature, as well as both the individualism and collective sense of belonging that people with different ethnic backgrounds share.
Artist and avid surfer Marcin Wlodarczyk, born in Poland, came to N.Y.C in 1996 and found art as means of survival, evolving within New York City art scene whether on the streets or in the studio.
 Melissa Starke - Director and Curator |
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 US+U Members |
 US+U members renovating the gallery space. |
 US+U Members |
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 Marcin buffering the US+U floor. |
 Melissa Starke - Director and Curator |
April 2015
Our Co-Founder & Project Coordinator Melissa Starke, was awarded a Community Development Block Grant from the City of Yonkers. The grant provides funds to assist with renovating and opening a gallery in the downtown.
The gallery will take applications from artists and be maintained via a membership structure. (Artists will pay monthly dues that cover operating & exhibition costs) Click here for details.
This initiative includes an educational/community service component- US+U will host free pre-college (High School & Middle School) portfolio prep art classes for qualified residents. For more information please click here.
We will also be implementing a partial Artist in Residence program. Selected artists will have the opportunity to use a studio space at the gallery that culminates into a exhibition of their artwork. Click here for more information and to apply.
College students will be able to earn college credit as gallery interns. Interested candidates should click here for additional information.