Rosalind “Roz” Zarr attended SUNY New Paltz from August 1966 to January 1971, a special time in New Paltz for the growth of art. Zarr currently resides in Tuscon, Arizona and has two pieces of jewelry in the Golden Age of New Paltz exhibit—the only jewelry in the show.Zarr’s jewelry shows a unique perspective of how she views art. Zarr’s family encouraged her love of art from a young age and it has been carried out throughout her life.  The friendly and nostalgic Zarr reminisced about her time at SUNY New Paltz and how it influenced her perception of art.

 

Were you interested in art from a young age?

 

I was interested in art for as long as I can remember. I always loved to draw, and my mother, who was a portrait artist, always encouraged me to express myself. Growing up in New York City, I took full advantage of my access to some of the finest museums and art galleries.

 

Whether it be jewelry or any of your favorite arts, what is your main inspiration while doing art?

 

My main inspiration is to create something unique that will intrigue others.

 

How did your time as a student at New Paltz affect your art career?

 

As an art student, I was able to learn studio techniques in various art forms, to study the great works of art throughout history, and have an ongoing exchange of ideas with other artists.

 

How was the transition from New York (Brooklyn and New Paltz) to New Mexico?

 

Brooklyn to New Paltz, I thought I died and went to heaven. Taos was a western version of New Paltz—easy transition, better weather.

 

What made your time at New Paltz so special?

 

It was exciting for me to be away from home, on my own, doing what I loved most, and meeting people from all over. I’m sure this is true for most college students. The art majors were a tightly knit group, and the feedback and critiques were always valuable. I was lucky to be chosen for a tour of New York trending artists, a rare opportunity. New Paltz, at the time, had a huge budget for entertainment. I think it was something students paid into and we had some of the best free concerts, in the gym, and outdoors at the “tripping fields.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did any of your professors influence your art career?

 

All of my professors influenced me. Dale Stein, who taught design, was perhaps the most influential. Bob Schuler, Ben Wigfall, Harry Hurwitz—check out the amazing film called “The Projectionist,” filmed locally by him—and Dan McCormack, who taught filmmaking, were all memorable, and instrumental in my development as an artist.

 

What was significant about the "Golden Age" years of 1968-1971 at New Paltz?

 

The quality of our art professors, the enthusiasm of my fellow art students, and the general freedom to experiment in all art forms were all significant. The years you asked about were politically significant, but aren't they all?  The college started a BFA program.  A good number of students became politically active during the Vietnam War and the Kent State shootings. There were protests and demonstrations. Many students joined SDS (Students for a Democratic Society). Professors became involved as well.  On a lighter note, a few hours were added when men could visit women in the dorms, and regulations were loosened up a bit during my time in New Paltz.