Special Event

The Division of Continuing Education presents an art activation in the Flatiron Plaza.

The slogan “art is...” stands in long tradition with the School of Visual Arts. Dating back to 1947, the College has produced over 180 posters for the New York City subway system—many of them addressing the question of what “art is.” This summer, the Division of Continuing Education will be in conversation with this tradition by posing the statement “art is...” to the public in the Flatiron Plaza. They invite the community to write their ideas, thoughts and feelings around the concept of art and how it resonates with each of us. The piece was designed by School of Visual Arts faculty member and artist Stephen Gaffney.

Join us for this art activation and stay for salsa dancing in partnership with the Flatiron Nomad Partnership.

Stephen Gaffney earned his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in 1987 and his MFA in 1990 from the New York Academy of Art. He began teaching at SVA in 1991 until present. He has exhibited his paintings, drawings and collages in New York, Connecticut and Atlanta. He has created mural work for the New York City Parks department, interior design for restaurants and he is currently the creative director and sign painter for the iconic Paul’s Daughter restaurant on the Coney Island boardwalk. Central to his artistic journey remains his teaching of drawing and composition.