Mark Gregory studied graphic design at the Sage College of Albany before earning a BFA from The Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida. Since returning to upstate New York in 2001 Mark has shown his work in many Albany venues and was one of the founding members of the Albany Underground Artists (AUA) - A grass roots effort headed by Chip Fasciana to produce and promote art exhibitions for new and emerging artists in a variety of venues. AUA was successful in creating an outlet for artists in Albany as well as securing sponsors including the City of Albany, and The Albany Institute of History & Art.

Mark currently works as a freelance artist/designer and is currently a resident artist at The Foundry for Art, Design Culture Studios International in Cohoes, NY. thefoundrysite.com

Artist Website: www.markgregoryart.com.

Jesse Matulis was born in upstate New York in 1975, and grew up on the beautiful farmlands of Rensselaer County. Raised on a family farm that his grandparents started upon their arrival from Lithuania, he spent most of his free time hunting for salamanders, building secret forts, and fishing in the countless number of ponds and streams. These influential years of connecting with nature through innocent play have deeply influenced Jesse’s work today.

At a very young age Jesse knew he was an artist. In his youth he engaged himself in many artistic projects from building elaborate villages out of shells and stones to mapping surrounding streams. His artistic talents were appreciated by many, winning numerous drawing contests throughout his elementary and secondary education. His love of building initiated his choice to major in architecture, although he found the rigidity of the field provided little room for conceptual expression and ultimately majored in sculpture.

Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Art in sculpture from The College of Saint Rose, he spent several years exploring various media outlets for his creative articulation including, video and performance art. To support his creative endeavors he soon found himself working as a self employed general contractor for private clients and continued this career path throughout his late twenties. He now is co-owner of an international cultural arts center in Cohoes, New York. He has spent the last three years renovating the centers facility, a former bank, which functions as the place where he lives, works and creates. Jesse continues to devote his time to his artwork and the development of the arts center.

Jesse sets a precedent for other artists and designers, both in the arts center and around the Capital Region. Most recently these include a commissioned mural series for the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center, Albany, New York, as well as invitations to participate in both group and solo exhibitions. Additionally, Jesse has provided his artistic services to worth-while causes, such as Saving Saint Joseph’s Capital Campaign, a grassroots historical architectural preservation effort.