Eric Arctander, pictured here in the summer of 2013 at Saunders Farm.
1944-2013
Artist Eric Arctander died Friday, Oct. 11. Born Nov. 8, 1944, he was a resident of Putnam Valley and is survived by his wife, Dell Jones. Eric was a visual artist, creating site specific, environmental installations in New York City in addition to painting and drawing.
His undergraduate degrees were from the School of Visual Arts, University of Chicago and the Art Institute of Chicago. He received his master’s degree from Pratt Institute. He taught art history at the School of Visual Arts for over 30 years and formerly at the Pratt Institute, Graduate School of Fine Art.
Eric was involved with many local arts organizations. A former board member of the Garrison Art Center and the Putnam Arts Center, he was a lifelong volunteer for both organizations. As a committee member of Collaborative Concepts, he helped create new venues and opportunities for professional artists to present their work, first in Beacon and for the past eight years at Saunders Farm in Garrison, presenting The Farm Project. Eric was most recently involved with Look Gallery in Mahopac: ericarctander.com.
Contributions can be made in his name to the Putnam Arts Council, 521 Kennicut Hill Road, Mahopac NY 10541. A new fund, designated the Eric Arctander Fund to assist young and emerging artists, will be established. A memorial celebration will be held on Nov. 2 at the Putnam Arts Council. Phone: 845-803-8622 or 845-803-8594 for reservations.
