Art Society of Kingston -- Kingston, NY

The Art Society of Kingston is an intriguing place in an older building at the very top of the Strand area by the Rondout.  In this building, they hold classes, galas, art opening events...the list goes on.  They try to provide a community for artists.

What does their commode hold?

For starters, a ramp.  Well, it's not a ramp to get into the bathroom, but I assume a ramp to help folks get into the building.  Made before building codes called for handicapped accessiblity, there are about two steps to get in which could be problematic for some.  So, here's their storage solution (oh, and a spare mirror)

These items keep me company while at the back of the restroom where the commode itself is.  The ramp is leaning on a half wall I had to go around to get to the commode part.  It has a faux finish of some sort.  Hm.  On the other side of the wall, more faux finish and evidence that this is a 'mixed media' bathroom (both sexes).

On the sink wall, which is opposite the faux wall at the entrance, we see evidence of art.  It looks small on the wall since it is a large, yellow wall, and the art is, indeed, small.  I think it screams for more.

Honestly, it's useable, but I somehow expected more from a commode within an art institution that so often holds such beautiful art.  With access to so many artists and so much creativity, why not make it a project?  Why not divide the walls into squares and allow artists to have one each?  Make it a show, make it an event.  Commission an artist via a competition.  Make the commode match what ASK is all about.

http://www.askforarts.org/