Below are the candidate statements that will appear on the ballot and ASL web site.
Current League President, Yoko Cohen
Ten years ago, after a career practicing tax law and securities litigation, I came to the Art Students League to pursue an interest in sculpture. That interest became a passion, as did my commitment to this extraordinary institution.
I joined the Board in 2021, after working on the Constitutional Reform Committee, later served as Vice President and now serve as President.
The League is in great shape! We have a terrific professional staff, growing enrollment, and sound finances. We’ve expanded our professional practice courses and are increasing the visibility of the League and its artists in the art world.
We’re nearing completion of the first phase of our building renovation and launching a major capital campaign to fund the next phase without compromising our commitment to affordable, accessible art education.
As President, I’ve fostered a collaborative, effective Board, built consensus and worked closely with staff to advance initiatives. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
I’m committed to preserving the League’s unique character and traditions, fostering its sense of community, and ensuring that members have a voice in shaping its future. I’d welcome the opportunity to continue leading the Board through the League’s next chapter.
Current VP nominated by women, Marcie Bronkar
A Legacy to Protect and Safeguard ……
I spent my entire life as an artist since walking into the Art Students League at eight years old including teaching textile design in LA at FIDM and NYC at Parsons and running Home Couture, an important platform in the design community for 40 years. I served on several boards in New York and Los Angeles as an educator. I also served on the League’s Board of Control for two years including my current role as Vice President. As a member of the Lotos Club, I organized several events including one honoring ASL’s 150th anniversary.
As a member of Prince Street Gallery in Chelsea I have worked to support and feature fellow artists on our outreach expansion. I also ran The Art Salon gallery in LA where I worked with curators at LACMA, Otis, and FIDM in launching careers of local Artists.
I work on all Board committees as VP and have also spearheaded the re-launch of League-at-Large with new opportunities to feature the work of league artists in local venues. I am here to listen and support our incredible institution of Members, Students and valuable Instructors and hold the league dear to my heart.
Current VP nominated by men, Stephen Durkee
I have enjoyed the privilege of serving on the ASL Board of Control (BoC) for five years. In my current role as a Vice President, I work with Yoko Cohen, the Board and staff on all committees. In prior years, I chaired the committee working to make our 150th celebration very special. Besides my marketing and business skills, I also bring my experiences of years of working with students and instructors at the League.
My long perspective of the League started in the 1980’s when I studied with, among others, Mario Cooper, Barbara Adrian and Robert Beverly Hale. After taking off time for my career and family, I returned after I retired and have studied with, among others, Frank O’Cain, Naomi Campbell, Doug Safranek, Sherry Camhy, Costa Vavaglakis, Tim Clark, and Robert Cenedella both online and in the studio. My frequent interaction with other students gives me a good sense of what is working and what is not.Between times at the League, I held many senior marketing, planning, and compliance positions at Citigroup, both domestic and international, focused on consumer banking.
You can see more on my website: https://stephendurkeeartprojects.com
