SUArt Gallery hosts reception for priceless Arthur Ross collection

More than 1,200 prints from European artists will be exhibited at Syracuse University Art Galleries’ first reception of the school year.

The gallery, under the name “Meant to Be Shared” features the latest collection by Arthur Ross. The reception will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Shaffer Art Building. Drinks and food will be served in the main atrium area in front of the gallery. The event is free and open to all students and faculty.

The SUArt Galleries typically holds receptions twice a year — once at the beginning of the school year and another at the end.

Domenic Iacono, director of SUArt Galleries, said the receptions usually bring in about 170 people, largely fans of the art world.

At least three curators from the Yale University Art Gallery and Ross’ widow will attend the reception. Ross’ expansive collection was initially gifted to Yale University Art Gallery, but at that time Ross has also asked that his collection be shared with other educational institutions. As he wished, his collection has been to the University of Florida and now Syracuse University.

Ross began his career as an investment banker in the 1930s, and soon became involved in philanthropic efforts in New York City.

Ross’ charitable work focused on environmental efforts, like the maintenance and upgrade of Central Park, international relations and the preservation and spread of art.

Before he died in 2007, Ross managed to curate a collection wide enough to span between the 18th and 20th centuries. The collection included artists like Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Francisco Goya.

Goya was Ross’ first artist for his collection, and expanded into other classical artists like Édouard Manet’s prints for Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, “The Raven.” Beyond traditional art, the collection also includes rare texts.