Staying Gucci with Briana Owsiany: Monitoring and Mentoring

By Valeria Raymond

 A bowl of candy sits outside an office filled with organized chaos and creative artistry. Inside the office, art supplies and a variety of media are on the left wall, and a curated collection of dynamic paintings, along with various objects, is on the right wall. In this maximalist environment, Briana Owsiany, 29, manages to perform her duties as the instructional support associate in the painting and drawing department while also composing immersive paintings herself.

Briana Owsiany using vibrant palettes to compose her latest art piece. (Photo by Valeria Raymond)

However, Owsiany is often on the run in the Visual Arts building, managing many operations for staff and students in various art departments. “Every time I see her, she's always doing something and is always busy,” said junior Ayesha Dinkins.

Owsiany graduated from Purchase in 2019 with a BFA in painting and drawing. Two years later, in November 2021, Owsiany applied for a gallery director position at the Richard and Dolly Maass Gallery in the Visual Arts building but did not receive the job. Yet after a couple of days, Owsiany was contacted by former director, Christopher Robbins, to inform her of a different position that was open.

“I said, ‘Sure, what do I have to do exactly?’ And he's like, ‘You just have to talk to Sharon Horvath,’” said Owsiany. The following day, after a 45-minute phone interview with Horvath, a professor of painting and drawing, Owsiany was given her current position as a painting and drawing instructional support associate.

 For the past four years, Owsiany has consistently dedicated her efforts to managing a high volume of tasks from procuring supplies to managing studios and classrooms. Along with teaching classes, leading demonstrations and curating student shows, she also takes time to contribute to the visual arts community. Whether it is transporting materials, meeting individuals, or beginning to present to classes, Owsiany has gotten to encounter many people in the Visual Arts building. “Everyone knows me, whether they like it or not,” said Owsiany.

The right side of Owsiany’s office, which has tools, art supplies, paintings, records and more organized chaos. (Photo by Valeria Raymond)

Celeste Joyce, the instructional support associate for the Graphic Design department, has worked with Owsiany for about 4 years. Joyce noted Owsiany’s dedication to her job, often being so busy that she does not have time to eat lunch. “She's very organized and very on top of things,” said Joyce. “Briana is very instrumental in making sure that everybody always has what they need, and everything is always scheduled and prepared.” Joyce also added that working alongside Owsiany boosted their confidence, making them more outspoken in department meetings and pushed them to be more present with students.

“She herself is so wonderful and does such an excellent job,” said Christine Attanasio, operations manager for the School of Art and Design. Attanasio acknowledged their admiration of Owsiany’s impact on faculty and students, not only through her job, but also by being the “glue” to form community. “She has become like a personal mentor to so many students,” said Attanasio. “People gravitate toward her because of her approachable demeanor.”

Attanasio added even with Owsiany’s tasks to ensure the painting and drawing department are organized, she manages to go “above and beyond” by hosting voluntary events. The events include woodshop demos, where students learn how to build their own canvases, and figure drawing marathons, where anyone can practice drawing models for fun. “Briana always steps up to the plate whenever asked or not asked,” said Attanasio.

Leyla Rodriguez, a sophomore painting and drawing student, acknowledged Owsiany’s proficiency at her job and her supportive guidance. “She's extremely clear with her words and as someone with ADHD and a lack of comprehension skills, that's extremely important,” said Rodriguez. “She always points me in the right direction and gives great advice.”

Owsiany assisted Rodriguez recently with stacking two 36” by 25’’ canvas frames and combining them into a single 36” x 50” frame. Rodriguez stated they were “grateful” for Owsiany’s collaboration as she carved out time despite her busy schedule. “We would be all over the place, not getting the materials we need. The building would definitely not be running if it wasn't her,” said Rodriguez.  

Owsiany (centered) and a studio monitor (right) assist Leyla Rodriguez (left) to construct a larger, single frame. (Photo by Valeria Raymond)

Katherine Young is a junior and a studio monitor in the Visual Arts building. Young transferred to Purchase last year and was interested in the position after meeting Owsiany and observing her contribution to classes with her team of studio monitors.  

“I think she keeps everyone in check. She doesn't let things slide, and she's very honest, but keeps a very nice demeanor,” said Young.

Young and other studio monitors work with Owsiany to perform specific tasks, including assisting students with art supplies on-site, preparing walls to curate art, demonstrating the use of equipment and workshopping. According to Young, Owsiany takes her work seriously, especially when it comes to sophomore review, junior review and other hallway showcases.

Sophomore review and junior review are hallway showcases where students hang their pieces on the second-floor hallway and are judged by professors to see which students can attain their own studio.

“It's very nice to see that there are people who care about uplifting the students and keeping them in check for the future if they want to pursue this as a career,” said Young. As a new student, Young felt through Owsiany’s influence, they “feel like not someone who's coming in unknowingly. She's helped me and other transfer students ease into the school and this new experience and environment.”

 Though her position can be difficult at times, Owsiany found that her favorite part of her role is establishing rapport with students.

“It's exciting to see where you guys start, where you guys' kind of lead up to for sophomore year, junior year and where you guys end up at for senior year,” said Owsiany. “I’m like a proud parent or big sister to see you all grow as individuals and as artists, in a short amount of time.”

While Owsiany continues to monitor and supply the painting and drawing department and help others, she aspires to get into grad school and own a gallery space in the future. “I'm really into curating and communicating with artists at different ages,” said Owsiany. “The big goal in my life is to continue making work as an artist.”

For now, Owsiany continues developing paintings of different subject matters from her office and in the studios. Owsiany said, “'I’m having a hard time with color, color theory, light and shadow now. But I'm hoping that can be adjusted sooner than later.”

Before wrapping up the day, painting, working and monitoring, Owsiany checks on students working in the studio classrooms on the second floor. She would ensure that those students make sure everything remains clean, and if anybody had any more questions. “Are we good? Are we Gucci? Great,” said Owsiany.