Exhibit Features Student Artwork Inspired By Plaza Art Collection

ALBANY, NY (03/09/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner John C. Egan today announced that students in grades kindergarten through eight, from six local school districts are exhibiting original artwork inspired by the Empire State Plaza Art Collection. The exhibit, held in conjunction with National Youth Art Month, features approximately 300 pieces created by students from Bethlehem, Guilderland, Mohonasen, North Colonie, Niskayuna, and Shenendehowa central school districts and will be on display from March 8–12 on the South Concourse of the Empire State Plaza.

"The Plaza Art Collection represents some of the best modern art being created at the time the Empire State Plaza was built, and it is one of our state's most important treasures, " Commissioner Egan said. "I am proud that we have this resource and can use it to introduce children to great works of art at this early age."

In September, the Empire State Plaza Art Commission began to collaborate with capital area art supervisors, designed to bring the Plaza Art Collection into local classrooms. Special presentations and educational resources introduced the collection into the curriculum of elementary and middle school children. Students were invited to explore and create their own works of art in response to the Plaza Art Collection.

The Empire State Plaza Art Collection consists of 92 modern art paintings, sculptures and tapestries that were purchased in the late 1960's – early 70's including works from Alexander Calder, Franz Kline, Joan Mitchell and Mark Rothko. In all, 82 artists who were working in New York at the time the collection was acquired, are represented. The collection, selected by Governor Nelson Rockefeller, was purchased with state funds during construction of the Empire State Plaza.

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