29 Nov Artist Affinity Group
It’s always exciting to see how our alumni community are finding new ways to reconnect with one another. Over the past few months, a few alumni artists from our community got together to brainstorm forming an Arts Affinity Group. An Alumni Affinity Group is any group of alumni, staff, and friends of the school having a common interest or affiliation, whether through profession, avocation or other interest. The ultimate purpose of Alumni Affinity Groups is to support the alumni and the school, its goals, and its core values.
To see such a large number of Woodstock Alumni involved and excelling in creative spaces is incredible, it can certainly be celebrated more - Isaac Gergan '06
Some of the artists were also part of the virtual art session at the FWS/WOSA Virtual reunion earlier this year and were inspired to create a space and opportunities for artists from our community to get connected with one another. Over numerous meetings and discussions over Zoom to figure out the best possible way for artists in our community to stay connected, the core group recently organized the first ever Artist Affinity Group’s virtual event.
Isaac Gergan ’06, is part of the committee, shares – “To see such a large number of Woodstock Alumni involved and excelling in creative spaces is incredible, it can certainly be celebrated more. Further it reflects Woodstock’s impact in the world through the Arts and creative space. It was great to see so many fellow Woodstockers at the virtual meet and I look forward to being part of this community.”
Some of the core goals for the group are:
- Monthly Zoom meetings for people to interact/connect and showcase their work
- Artist talks and critiques
- Network with other art practitioners across disciplines
- Collaborate on projects
- Support art and artists at the school
Sharon Seto ’79 is part of the committee and has been quite central in the formation of this group, shares – “It is so exciting to help alumni who are artists from across generations and around the world connect in a meaningful way. Just as exciting is the range of talent and commitment to making a positive difference in the world represented in this group!”
Artist Affinity Group’s first event took place on Worldwide Woodstock Day, 30th Oct 2021 and had 8 Artist presenters who talked and shared about their work. The event had a good turn out and everyone seemed excited at the possibilities of how this group can engage with the school.
Thanks to the artist affinity group, a growing list of creatives are now getting to know each other’s work – and each other - for the first time. - Chris Green '90
Presenters at the event: – Sonam Yeshi ’00, Steve Alter ’74, Shruti Ganguly ’00, Raag Sethi ’09, Stefan Eicher ’90, Isaac Gergan ’06, Ashwin Chacko ’07, and Chris Green ’90
Chris Green ’90, is part of the committee and also one of the presenters from the first event shares about the event – “For years, I have wondered who else from WS was working in the creative field. Thanks to the artist affinity group, a growing list of creatives are now getting to know each other’s work – and each other – for the first time. With the zoom events, it has been very inspiring to hear folks talk about what they’re up to and to see the strength and variety of such thoughtful work being made all over the world.”
Here is a link below to the event for those who may have missed it – Artist Affinity Group | Session 1 – Oct 30 2021 – YouTube
If you are an artist, or interested in the arts, then we would encourage you to join the group by signing up here on this form – Sign up here 
We are also encouraging artists to head over to the Woodstock Alumni Connect and join the Artist Affinity Group Page. If you are an artist, please do feel free to post a small bio along with links to your work on the Artist Affinity Group page on Woodstock Alumni Connect. Woodstock Alumni Connect
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