25 years of making and photo of pratt munson campus

A Place of Belonging, Discovery, and Community

 

Support Us!

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.


alumni drinking and hugging

We can't wait to see you back on campus!

 

RSVP

 

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 Panel

    Location: Museum of Art, Auditorium  

3:40 p.m.  

  • Film Screening: Memoryscape by Daniel Buckingham

    Location: Museum of Art, Auditorium 

4–6 p.m. 

  • Opening Reception: 25th Anniversary Alumni Exhibition

    Live music and cash bar

    Music provided by the band Whiskeyhickon Boys

    Location: Pratt Munson Gallery and Sculpture Grove (Rain location: Root Court) 

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, Oct. 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. 

  • 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. 

  • Dessert Mixer  

    Location: Sculpture Grove (Rain location: Root Court) 

    Music provided by the band “Afternoon Tea”

Sunday, Oct. 5

10 a.m. 

  • Farewell Brunch  

    Location: Dining Hall

    Pay at the door; $10 cash 


25th Anniversary Alumni Exhibition

Opening Reception: Friday, Oct. 3 | 4 to 6 p.m.

Show Dates: Friday, Oct. 3 - Friday, Oct. 31

Artist Panel: Friday, Oct. 3 | 3-4 p.m. | Museum of Art, Auditorium 

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.

 


restaurant front Ancora utica ny

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:

 

 

art exhibition at munson celestial bodies by karen lamonte

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
  • Go on a scenic adventure with
    Adirondack Railroad

 

 

Hotels

Stay your way with comfort and style—check out these great local options: