The art of working together

Ulster BOCES Carpentry and Rondout

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A new piece of art will be unveiled at 11:45 a.m. Friday, June 8, near the Rondout Valley High School football field. The 8-foot-tall cedar structure, called “The Red Stairway,” is the brainchild of local sculptor Steve Wood, who created the conceptual design for the project, which was then given to students enrolled in the Ulster BOCES Carpentry program, housed at Rondout Valley High School.

Over the last several months, students have been utilizing their carpentry trade skills to build the structure, which is part abstract sculpture and part intellectual contemplation. The cagelike project is meant to incorporate interactions with light. The light from the sun and the effects of the weather will create dramatic highlights and shadows, which will enhance the look of the structure.

“The class feels honored to have their work shown on the Rondout Valley campus,” said Ulster BOCES carpentry teacher Noah Reiten. “The sculpture will be a visual reminder of their efforts and learning for years to come.”

The project is a collaboration that Wood and Rondout Valley Superintendent Rosario Agostaro have been discussing for several years. Wood has worked on several other community projects, including ones at Brown University, Trinity College and the University of California at Santa Barbara.

“The benefits of a collaboration like this increase exponentially,” said Agostaro. “First, it introduces a different kind of art to young people. It also encourages students to think critically. It’s hands-on learning and is a real-world work project. In addition, local artists become engaged with students, which can inspire new concepts. And the list goes on and on.”

For more information, contact Agostaro at 687-2400, ext. 4802.

Steve Wood