Hudson Valley Community College Celebrates Grand Reopening of Massry Center for the Arts
October 14, 2026
Ribbon cutting, art exhibition and musical performance mark next step in college’s vision for Albany facility as a regional arts and cultural hub
Hudson Valley Community College celebrated the official grand reopening of the Massry Center for the Arts on Wednesday with a ribbon cutting, open house, art exhibition and musical performance.
Originally part of The College of Saint Rose, the Massry Center reopened following the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation’s acquisition of the facility, securing its future use as a regional resource for arts, education, performance and public engagement. The Foundation’s purchase was made possible by a $1 million gift from the Massry family, announced in April.
College, regional and local leaders gathered Wednesday for a full day of programming marking the reopening of the facility, which features specially designed arts and performance spaces, including the Kathleen McManus Picotte Recital Hall, Esther Massry Gallery and Hearst Music Wing, as well as rehearsal halls, practice rooms and classrooms.
Following the ribbon cutting and open house, the Esther Massry Gallery hosted the opening reception for “New Walls,” an art exhibition showcasing the work of faculty artists from the Fine Arts, Digital Art and Design, and Theatre Arts programs. “New Walls” brought together a diverse selection of more than two dozen works spanning painting, photography, video, sound, printmaking, mixed media and music. The exhibition featured pieces by Justin Baker, Arnela Mahmutović, Jason Kates van Staveren, Milton Connors, Tara Fracalossi, Thomas Lail, Kyra Garrigue, Richard Garrison, Linda Ryder and Rosanne Raneri.
The day concluded with “A Musical Homecoming at the Massry Center for the Arts,” an invitation-only performance held at 7 p.m. in the Kathleen McManus Picotte Recital Hall. The evening celebrated the Massry Center’s return as a home for music and the arts and honored the legacy of The College of Saint Rose by bringing together musicians connected to the former institution. The program included a special performance by Hudson Valley Community College President Michael S. Brophy, himself a Saint Rose alumnus.
“Today marks an important milestone, and we are deeply grateful to the Massry family for their generosity and commitment to preserving this important resource,” said President Brophy. “Their support has helped secure the future of the Massry Center and gives Hudson Valley an extraordinary opportunity to bring together education, creativity and connection while building on the remarkable legacy of this space.”
“The Massry Center for the Arts is a tremendous community asset, and Hudson Valley’s stewardship will ensure it remains a place for learning, performance, and community connection,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “I thank Dr. Michael Brophy for his vision and leadership, which align with our commitment to preserving what makes the former Saint Rose Campus special while returning it to productive use. This project builds on the progress we’re already making across the campus, complementing our ongoing efforts to bring new life to these spaces and ensure they continue serving the community. With the support of the Massry family and the HVCC Foundation, we’re creating new opportunities for students and artists, bringing activity back to Pine Hills and strengthening the cultural and economic life of our region.”
Hudson Valley plans to build on the Massry Center’s established role in the region while expanding programming and opportunities for students, artists and the public through concerts, performances, lectures, festivals and artist residencies. The college also envisions the facility as a place for youth enrichment, community education and future academic programs aligned with regional workforce needs, while providing opportunities for artists, nonprofit organizations and public forums to make use of the space.