Expect The Unexpected

Changes are happening at Stony Brook University's Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery. This September, the new curator and director presents the first glimpse of her vision for the art space and it's more youthful and risky than audiences might be used to. The gallery will still be presenting four to five shows each year—a combination of student shows and those of nationally recognized contemporary artists. Karen Levitov says she's not afraid to mount exhibitions that may be "unexpected and challenging." If visitors come hoping to see impressionistic paintings in gilded frames, the experience might be surprising, shocking even.For her first show, she's chosen an artist who exemplifies this direction. Kate Gilmore is a feminist performance artist Levitov first discovered a decade ago in a gallery on the Lower East Side. Gilmore will be creating a site-specific installation that combines sculpture, performance, painting and video. But neither she nor Levitov actually knows what the piece is going to be until it happens. Gilmore says part of the fun of her work is not knowing what to expect. And Levitov relishes this "edge of my seat" experience.