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.
We can't wait to see you back on campus!
RSVP coming soon!
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 the Sculpture Grove
+ Alumni meet-up at Saranac Brewery’s Oktoberfest
+ Artist talks and faculty demos
Weekend Schedule:
Friday, Oct. 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: 25th Anniversary Alumni Exhibition
Location: Pratt Munson Gallery and Sculpture Grove (Rain location: Root Court)
Faculty and Alumni Mixer featuring alumni - Whiskeyhickon Boys
Location: Sculpture Grove (Rain location: Root Court)
Live music and cash bar
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
Admission is free. Family- and dog-friendly
Saturday, October 4
9:30 a.m.–noon
Campus Tours
Location: Genesee Street Studio
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 (Covered tents if rain occurs)
10:45 a.m.
Figure Drawing with Ken Marchione and Chris Cirillo
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
Transportation: You are welcome to use your own transportation, or you can take advantage of our regular Saturday shuttle.
noon
Lunch in the Grove with Faculty
Enjoy some local barbecue from Piggy Pat’s
$20 Adults | $10 Children
Location: Sculpture Grove (Rain location: Root Court)
1–3 p.m.
Pratt Munson First Works Show
Location: McCulley Student Gallery, 14 Cottage Place
(Will be open all weekend for visitors)
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)
Music provided by the band “Afternoon Tea”
Sunday, October 5
10 a.m.
Farewell Brunch
Location: Dining Hall
Pay at the door; $10 cash
25th Anniversary Alumni Exhibition
Opening Reception: Friday, Oct. 3 | 3 to 5 p.m.
Show Dates: Friday, Oct. 3 - Friday, Oct. 31
Artist Panel Discussion: Friday, October 3, 3-4 p.m. | Museum of Art's Root Court
Location: 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 | Printmaking and Fashion Design
+ Mark DiOrio: Class of 2002 | Photography
+ Erick Nilson: Class of 2012 | Sculpture
+ Anniella Pettingill: Class of 2024 | Illustration
Class of 2014
Artist Talk: Jared Diaz
Oct. 4 10:15 a.m.
Location: The Genesse Street Studio is located just past the Museum of Art's Fountain Elms.
Jared Diaz '14, muralist and founder of nonprofit Open Air Projects, recently completed work on the "Gathering in the Name of: One World Gathering" on Munson's Genesee Street Studio. They have contributed to the management and painting of more than 2,000 large-scale murals in their sign-painting career spanning more than 15 years, promoting cultural equity and preserving history on the stage of public art.
Restaurants
Utica truly offers something for every palate: cozy cafés, regional Italian staples, farm-fresh innovation, vibrant pub scenes, and global eateries—all with heart, history, and flavor. Check out these local options:
- 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) - Iconic Restaurant
(located within DoubleTree Hilton) - Zeina’s Cafe
(Lebanese) - Tavolo
(Italian) - Mōtus
(Modern American – Fine Dining) - Tailor and the Cook
(Farm-to-Table – Fine Dining) - Babe’s at Harbor Point
(Causal American) - Portofino Restaurant
(Italian) - Cantina Catrin
(Mexican) - Minar
(Indian)
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 student visitors with
a Pratt Munson ID will receive free admission
for themselves and their guests - 50th Annual Falling Leaves Road Race
presented by Utica First Insurance: 9 a.m.,
Saturday, Sept. 28 (Register Here)
Hotels
Stay your way with comfort and style—check out these great local options:
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Hampton Inn
- Fairfield by Marriott
- Rosemont Inn Bed & breakfast
- Holiday Inn Express
Looking for a group hotel booking?
