Teaching Artist Showcase

Our main gallery is dedicated to the memory of Jane Altes and her lifelong passion for civic engagement, public & professional service, arts and the humanities.

In her storied career, Jane served as a tenured faculty member at Southern Illinois University, where she worked her way to Research Director and finally, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. She also served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs at the State University of New York (SUNY) Systems Administration. Her career also brought her to a position as Vice President for Academic Affairs, and eventually Interim President at SUNY Empire State College.

Wherever Jane went, her abiding sense of community followed. Jane married Wallace “Wally” Altes in 1966 and the couple relocated to the Capital Region. Jane and Wally fell in love with the area, and became deeply involved in a number of prominent local charitable organizations. Jane’s service record includes many years as a board member and chair here at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, among a number of other nonprofit institutions.

When Jane and Wally moved to Troy in 2007, their commitment to living downtown at The Conservatory was essential to the Collar City’s early revitalization. At the time, a flagship adaptive reuse project transforming an historic department store into modern apartments was still a novel and unproven concept in the Capital Region. Jane brought with her an appreciation for history and the arts that is foundational for Troy’s blossoming identity. In many ways, the City of Troy may not be the same today were it not for Jane’s early vision and philanthropy.

Here at the Arts Center, Jane’s imaginative & adventurous legacy inspires and guides us. We are proud to unveil the Jane Altes Gallery, featuring a small collection of her personal works that were made in our classrooms and studios.

We hope this Gallery will continue to serve as a testament to Jane’s life and her commitment to the creative spirit of the Capital Region.