Moderators
Moderators
Following tradition, the moderators of the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art History Symposium are the executive board of the College’s Art History Association (AHA). This long-standing student organization is comprised of students from any discipline who meet regularly to discuss art and art history. The original Student Symposium was the brainstorm of AHA’s co-presidents, Jonathan Birns and Liz Dragan, who piloted the first event in 2019.
Throughout the academic year, AHA also sponsors public lectures given by expert art historians, conservators, curators, legal experts, and more, and these events are organized around themes selected by the club’s members. The Fall 2022 Lecture Series focused on individuals who have pursued exciting and surprising career paths related to the field of art history. The 2023 Spring Lecture Series focused on Latin American and Latinx visual and material culture.
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Mya Bailey ’22
Emeritx Treasurer, Art History Association
Mya Bailey recently graduated from SUNY New Paltz, where they earned their BA in Art History with a minor in History. While in college, they served as Treasurer for the Art History Association as well as Editor for the SUNY New Paltz School of Fine and Performing Arts’ journal Assembly. Mya has been accepted to multiple MA programs focused on decorative arts, design history, and material culture and will start graduate school this fall. When not in school, they enjoy binge reading historical fiction and travelling with friends.
Brooke Cammann ’23
President, Art History Association
Brooke Cammann is a senior at SUNY New Paltz double-majoring in Art History and Chemistry with a minor in Italian Studies. She serves as President of the Art History Association and works as a Resident Advisor on campus. After graduation she plans to study art conservation. This is her third year moderating the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art History Symposium, and she cannot wait to see what this year’s speakers will share!
Madelyn Colonna ’23
Event Coordinator, Art History Association
Maddy Colonna is a senior at SUNY New Paltz double-majoring in Anthropology and Art History, and she is the Event Coordinator of the Art History Association. This is her third year moderating for the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art History Symposium, and she is looking forward to seeing everyone’s presentations! Although she is passionate about all kinds of art, Maddy has a special place in her heart for Vermeer and medieval Marian iconography!
Olivia Martinez ’26
Olivia Martinez is a first-year student at SUNY New Paltz. She has not yet decided on a major, although she is leaning towards the university’s Art History and Art Education programs. She is very excited for her academic future and is honored to moderate for the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art History Symposium for the first time.
Abi Rosenthal ’24
Treasurer, Art History Association
Abi Rosenthal is a junior at SUNY New Paltz double-majoring in English and History with a minor in Medieval and Early Modern Studies. She is also the Treasurer of the Art History Association. She is interested in working with museums, archives, and libraries in the future. She loves to read and write both fiction and academic papers. This is Abi’s first time moderating at the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art History Symposium, and she is very excited to hear everyone speak!
Shay Steuart ’23
Secretary, Art History Association
Shay Steuart is a senior at SUNY New Paltz double-majoring in Art History and Art Education and minoring in Evolutionary Studies and Social Justice Educational Studies. She is a visual artist, primarily working in acrylic and oil paint. Shay is currently student teaching at an elementary school, where she is assisting in a school-wide mural project and submitting her students’ work for an outside art show. This is Shay’s third year moderating the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art History Symposium, and she is so excited to hear everyone’s talks.
Jocelyn Thornton ’25
Social Media Coordinator, Art History Association
Jocelyn Thornton is a sophomore at SUNY New Paltz majoring in Art History with a minor in Art Studio. She is from a small town just outside of Syracuse, NY. She is the Social Media and Poster Designer for the Art History Association and is serving as a moderator for the SUNY New Paltz Undergraduate Art History Symposium for the first time. She very much looks forward to hearing everyone’s presentations!