Hello From New Executive Director, Audrey Taylor
Audrey Hasen Taylor, Executive Director.
Photo Credit: Sarah Smith for 4 Elements
I’m very happy to share that I have joined 4 Elements Studio as Executive Director, succeeding Dana F. Kelsey, who will continue her work with the organization as Director of Education.
For those of you I haven’t met yet, I’m originally from the Appalachian foothills of East Tennessee and earned degrees in sculpture from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. I began my career in New York City working in artists’ studios while continuing my own studio and exhibition practice.
I was first introduced to Utica in 2008 as an Artist-in-Residence at Sculpture Space, later moved to the area, and spent a decade at Munson and Pratt Munson College of Art and Design as Community Arts Director, where I developed non-credit community art classes and directed the artist-in-residence program. I’ve also served on the 4 Elements Studio board since 2022, so stepping into this role feels both new and very connected to work I’ve been part of for many years.
It is an honor to now lead an organization I have cared about and to work alongside Vartan Poghosian, Dana F. Kelsey and this incredibly committed team of teaching artists.
And I’m stepping into the role at an especially exciting moment.
4 Elements Studio is launching A Common Element, our $50,000 Mohawk Valley Gives campaign supporting arts access, exhibitions, public art, community programming and the work that keeps all of it moving forward.
Thanks to a generous grant from the UpMobility Foundation, we have $20,000 available as 2:1 matching funds for online donations made during Mohawk Valley Gives, September 14–18. That means every eligible $1 donated can unlock an additional $2 in matching support.
Funds raised through A Common Element will help us:
- Keep classes, workshops and creative experiences affordable and accessible
- Compensate our teaching artists fairly
- Make physical accessibility improvements to our studio
- Support exhibitions and opening events throughout the year
- Continue programs serving individuals with disabilities and other underserved members of our community
- Develop a new public art partnership with the City of Utica at Edward J. Hirt Park
- Support the Mohawk Valley Art Legacy Program and other signature 4 Elements initiatives
Each year, approximately 3,000 people participate in our exhibitions, opening receptions, public events, workshops, classes and studio programs, while sustained arts programming for individuals with disabilities and other underserved members of our community remains central to our mission.
A Common Element reflects both the breadth of what 4 Elements already does and where we hope to grow next.
More Campaign Info >
Join Us September 14We hope you’ll celebrate this new chapter with us at the official kickoff of A Common Element and Mohawk Valley Gives:
- Monday, September 14, 5–8 PM
- @ 4 Elements Studio
- Free and open to the public
Join Facebook Event >
The evening will include live music from T.E.Q. Jazz Group, art, refreshments and community, and will also serve as the opening reception for The Standing Roots, an exciting new exhibition by artist Kathleen Ann Donovan.
Whether you have supported 4 Elements for years or are just discovering us, I hope you’ll be part of what comes next.
Mohawk Valley Gives runs September 14–18, and our goal is to raise $50,000 and welcome at least 20 new donors to the 4 Elements community.
Thank you for supporting 4 Elements Studio.
Audrey Taylor
Executive Director
4 Elements Studio
