We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kathleen Vance. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kathleen below.

Kathleen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project that I have worked on recently was the creation and development of Traveling Landscapes that relate for waterways in the Hudson Valley, specifically the Rondout Creek and the Mohawk River.

Referencing the Hudson Valley’s local waterways, I have created a series of sculptures that depict sectional references to the Rondout Creek, from the upper reservoir to its confluence with the Hudson River. These works are hand-sculpted to replicate the path of the watercourse and it traverses along the terrain, depicted within a pristine natural environment. The title “Traveling Landscapes -Rondout Creek and Hudson River” developed into a sculptural installation inspired by the Rondout Creek and the Hudson River, utilizing cases sourced from the Ulster County Habitat for Humanity Restore. Multiple cases are presented stacked, with their lids partially open to entice viewers to explore and discover the landscapes held within, following the water paths from one case to the next. Each contained waterscape references a specific section of the Rondout Creek, created with soil collections from selected sites along the Rondout Creek and the Hudson River. This project was conceived and created to present and discuss ideas of recycling, the history of objects, the local environment, and the importance of these waterways. Expanding on this project I have further developed sculptures that focus on the Mohawk River, which is located in the Capital region of New York and its confluence with the Hudson River is just a few miles north of Albany.

The Hudson Valley region is of great inspiration within this series, although I have been working on this project for many years, and earlier works were created based on my personal travels. The series began with the concept of presenting a personal connection to groundwater streams and rivers. These earlier works did not specifically reference a particular watercourse, but rather an amalgamation of places I had visited and I created fantastical view of natural scenes. I created these sculptures to replicate the feel of the natural environment with synthesized light and engineered with a hidden reservoir and active water flow that simulates the course of groundwater streams and rivers. The sound of the trickling water and enticing light seems to draw people in, and add a meditative quality to these works.

I see the series, “Traveling Landscapes” as a way to consider our relationship with the natural environment, and the human impulse to claim ownership of land, while surface water is considered to be held in public trust. Water is a communal resource, and our actions, positive or negative, can affect the health of local bodies of water. As this series evolved I began to consider the impact we have on specific waterways and began a more focused examination and investigation of the historical changes to local waterways.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have been an active member of the New York art community for many years and have developed strong and long-lasting relationships. I am proud to be be not only a professional artist but also a curator and the director of the Front Room Gallery. Combining these roles offers a unique and fulfilling opportunity to shape the art world on my own terms. When aligned with a mission that prioritizes environmental concerns, supports artists’ careers, and educates new collectors, this role becomes even more impactful.

It is a pleasure to work with clients at assess their collection, see their interests and recommend new artists. The Front Room Gallery presents artists that challenge conventional perspectives on environmental and social issues, inspire sustainable practices, and push the boundaries of artistic engagement with ecological and social themes. I love to introduce artists to new audiences and further inspire enthusiasts to support an artist’s development and encourage involvement and engagement.
As a sculptor, I focus on the physicality of objects and explore the meaning of materials with in my art-making process. My main focus is to expound on the importance of protecting our natural environment, especially water sources and waterways. My river installations consider our relationship with the environment and our natural resources. I investigate local ecosystems and water sustainability, portraying these waterways as a view of the positive impact we can impart on the natural environment.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to create meaningful connections between people, ideas, and the environment. I find deep fulfillment in using my artwork to inspire awareness about environmental issues, especially water sustainability, and in helping others engage with art in ways that foster both appreciation and action.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my creative journey is driven by a mission to highlight the importance of protecting our natural environment, particularly water sources and waterways. Through my art, I aim to explore our relationship with the natural world, inspire sustainable practices, and encourage a thoughtful engagement with ecological issues. Through the creation and development of my sculptures and installations, I explore the meaning of materials and our relationship with nature, aiming to inspire awareness, reflection, and sustainable action.

In my role as a curator and art advisor, my mission is to support artists whose work addresses urgent environmental and social issues, and to help foster deeper engagement between artists, collectors, and the broader public. I find great purpose in guiding collectors toward meaningful acquisitions and creating exhibitions that challenge perspectives, spark dialogue, and promote sustainability.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kathleenvance.com – www.frontroom.gallery
• Instagram: @kathleenvanceart, @frontroomnyc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleenvanceart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-vance-2260209/
• Twitter: @kathleenvance, @frontroomnyc
• Youtube: @frontroomgallery

Image Credits

Photo credits to Kathleen Vance and Beth Mickalonis