Autumn is the best season for young, aspiring artists to explore the Hudson Valley art scene. Recently, a group of Storm King students taking AP Art and Advanced Studio Art were invited to visit one of our area’s top art galleries for an exclusive look at contemporary and modern Italian art. Their visit to Magazzino Italian Art in Cold Spring, New York, was made possible by Storm King School Trustee and alumnus Richard Grossman ’79, a real estate executive, collector, and art enthusiast.

Mr. Grossman is continually inspired by the art produced by Storm King students and the School’s record of placing them in prestigious art colleges each year: “I thought the students would find Magazzino Italian Art interesting and give them exposure to another facet of the art world. It’s an important institution of post war and contemporary art with a core collection of Arte Povera work. Along with Dia Beacon and the Storm King Art Center, it is a world-class art institution in the Hudson Valley.”

Students who participated in the trip: Jiann L. ’26, Milo M. ’25, Adrian Y. ’27 Keiyona J. ’26, Candy N. ’26, Defne S. ’26

“The students learned about Arte Povera which emphasizes the use of everyday materials and challenges traditional notions of creating art. The visit was fun while it broadened their horizons and gave them the chance to engage directly with important works in a premier setting,” explained Visual Arts Chair John Carruthers, who accompanied the group on the trip.

Many thanks go to Magazzino Italian Art and Ms. Andrea Conner who led the tour of the collection, talked about the museum’s history, and gave the students a behind-the-scenes peek at its impressive shipping and storage areas. A special thank you also goes to Mr. Grossman for arranging this inspiring visit for our students. “I am a supporter of the arts and I believe that SKS students can benefit and learn from their exposure to these outings. They are part of a well-rounded education, and for students interested in the arts, it’s giving them access that they may not normally have,” he explained.