THOSE WHO CAN: An exhibition of artist-educators from across the U.S. and Canada
GARNERVILLE, NY – You’ve heard the phrase: “Those who can’t, teach”. But that’s never really been my experience in education. I’ve met many educators with a serious art practice, and wildly different artists who take teaching and learning quite seriously.” – Joe Fusaro
GARNER Arts Center is pleased to host THOSE WHO CAN, our first national exhibition of artist-educators from across the United States and Canada. This gathering of 28 talented individuals and collectives who teach students of all ages offers an opportunity to engage with art and museum educators as professional artists whose practices extend their teaching and often inform it.
This exhibition will include multiple works by artists such as Yikui (Coy) Gu (above), who centers his Chinese immigrant experience as an entry point into exploring contemporary American society, and collaborative art makers such as Whoop Dee Doo (below), who create collaborative performances and inspire meaningful conversations that bring communities together.
High-resolution images are available upon request.
Artists such as Marie Elcin (above) use plein air painting to be outdoors more often, focus on observation, and find good reasons to travel beyond her hometown of Philadelphia. In contrast, artists such as Shelby Smith (below) focus on more formal qualities and constructions, using non-traditional approaches to sculpture, such as wire dipped in Porcelain clay.
The artists featured in THOSE WHO CAN include: Mary Boo Anderson (CA), Nathan Asplud (CA), Jeannine Bardo (NY), Gregg Emery (NY), Alicia Gifford (FL), Mary Goldthwaite (NH), Dennis Greenwell (WA), Yikui (Coy) Gu (PA), Dana Joy Helwick (NY), Jeanne Hoel (CA), Sarah Kolker (PA), Andrea Mancuso (NY), Jennie Maydew (IL), Danielle McDonald (NY), Alex Mendez (IL), Ariana Mygatt (MD), Hugo Rojas (NY), Jocelyn Salaz (NM), Robb Sandagata (MA), Nikki Sandschaper (NY), Julia Soderholm (CAN), Sean Sweeney (CT), Ty Talbot (WA), Peter Tresnan (NY), Catherine Walker (LA), Jack Watson (NC), and Whoop Dee Doo (USA).
The stories and fascinating details about each artist are collected in the THOSE WHO CAN exhibition catalogue, designed by Reid Parsekian, and available at the gallery or by ordering a copy during the course of the show. For advance copies, please email [email protected]
THOSE WHO CAN will open during the 25th Anniversary of the GARNER Arts Festival, an extraordinary, multi-sensory arts and cultural destination in the lower Hudson Valley featuring immersive art experiences on a landmark pre-Civil War textile factory complex turned arts & artisan campus. This beloved, family-friendly festival celebrates creativity in all its forms and will feature numerous attractions over the weekend, including children’s activities, live music, local food vendors, and more! Come for the festival between 11am-6pm on Saturday, May 16, and then attend the opening reception to talk with many of the artists exhibiting!
You’re invited!
School and community groups are invited to schedule a special tour of the exhibition during the run of the show with the artists or curator. Please call (845) 947-7108 for more information or email [email protected]
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 16, from 5-7pm during the GARNER Arts Festival
Exhibition Dates: May 16 through June 29, 2026
Gallery Hours: Thursdays 4-8pm, Fridays 2-5pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1-5pm
WHERE: Building 35 Gallery, GARNER Arts Center
ADDRESS: GARNER Historic District, 55 West Railroad Avenue, Garnerville, NY 10923
FOR APPOINTMENTS: (845) 947-7108 / [email protected]
For further information, please contact:
Joe Fusaro, Curator and Director of Gallery Operations [email protected]
About GARNER Arts Center:
Mission
GARNER Arts Center is an interdisciplinary arts center that advances the creation and presentation of contemporary, experiential art within a repurposed 19th-century textile mill complex. By providing access to a wide range of art forms, the organization strives to enrich, educate, and connect diverse audiences. GARNER Arts Center is committed to igniting and realizing artistic ideas that emerge in response to societal, economic, historic, and environmental stimuli.
Vision
GARNER Arts Center’s vision is for an enduring, inclusive artisan settlement that fosters a thriving arts, business, and cultural district that encourages collaboration between makers and the creative sector. GARNER seeks to be a catalyst for just and sustainable economic growth in its Hudson Valley host community.
GARNER Arts Center is a tax-deductible 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
GARNER Arts Center – Social Media:
Facebook & Instagram: @garnerartscenter
