Vivien Abrams Collens

Profile Updated: November 9, 2022
Vivien Abrams
Residing In: CORNWALL ON HUDSON, NY USA
Spouse/Partner: David Collens
Homepage: www.viviencollens.com
Occupation: artist currently focusing on public art and sculpture
Children: Stephanie, born 1987. Rachel , born 1991
Yes! Attending Reunion
Do you still see/talk to/hang out with any classmates? Who?

enjoyed the 2019 reunion. Great to see Steve Joseph and other friends. I keep in touch with Susan Cole, Lesley Dormen, Evie Bramen, Paige Fields Hoebel, and my cousin, Dede Abrams Atkins. would love to communicate with others.

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After Art School (Carnegie Mellon U), I lived in Mexico for 2 years, and got my MFA; then returned to Cleveland and worked at the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

In 1977 I moved to NYC to further my art career. focusing on shaped canvas or wood painting installations. In 1985 I met my husband , who is Director of Storm King Art Center; we married that year and have 2 daughters. In 2016 began doing sculpture and learned to weld in 2017, which lead to making large scale public art.
School Story:

Shaker had a great reputation . I was always proud to say I went there, and still feel that way.
Senior year was very difficult for me, as my father died unexpectedly on Sept. 16th. We were very close . Kennedy's assassination reopened the pain of an unexpected loss. I became depressed and withdrawn, feeling a gulf between myself and others. My dad had encouraged me to become an artist, and pursuing art seemed like the best way to memorialize him. Instead of study hall I took extra art classes. The teacher Mr. Jeffries, was good but only supported the boys in the class because "they would have to support a family one day"
My favorite school memories were hanging out with Ellen Silver...including cutting school and driving to OSU to see my boyfriend.

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Posted on: Jan 28, 2023 at 6:49 PM

Happy Birthday Amy, many happy returns!

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Dec 13, 2022 at 8:51 PM

Posted on: Dec 12, 2022 at 10:37 PM

Hi Joe, Best wishes for your upcoming birthday!

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Nov 09, 2022 at 10:01 AM

I was very sad to hear of Bill's passing. I knew him since kindergarten. He was always good natured, fun and kind. We had a nice conversation at the last reunion. My condolences to Zachary and Bill's family.

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May 15, 2022 at 12:27 PM

Posted on: May 13, 2022 at 9:17 AM

viviencollens
It was very exciting to have Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent visit my studio last winter to scout a public sculpture for my community, Cornwall, NY, as they revitalized the town for an HGTV episode of Hometown Kickstart! The crew returned later to photograph me welding. Tune in!
Last photo shows the schedule for upcoming airings of the episode. (warning: my section is near the end of the episode)

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Sep 23, 2021 at 2:03 AM

Posted on: Sep 21, 2021 at 11:00 PM

I:m excited to share that I'll be having a solo exhibition of my recent metal sculpture at the Maria Neil Art Project.. http://www.marianeilartproject.com/home.html
My husband . David, and I will be present Sept. 30 for the 6-8pm preview, and for the opening Oct. 1, 6- 9 pm .
I would love to see you and talk to you about it. If you can't make it the show is up till January. I'm hoping to return one other timefor an event...possibly my friend and classmate Susan Cole can do a book signing /reading of her new book there: https://www.susan-cole.com/ . stay tuned!

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Sep 15, 2021 at 7:12 PM

Posted on: Sep 12, 2021 at 9:20 PM

excited to be exhibiting in Cleveland again. the opening reception is Oct. 1. hope to see some of you there.
http://canjournal.org/2021/08/maria-neil-welcome-back-vivien/

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Jul 21, 2021 at 12:27 PM

Posted on: Jul 20, 2021 at 8:16 PM

Loved having Ed and Amy Wertheim (Amy Kopperman '64) visit me in my studio after their visit to nearby Storm King Art Center. Together they created this sculpture installation, using my interactive sculpture components Amy and I were childhood friends It was great to reconnect!

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May 14, 2019 at 10:14 PM

Posted on: Apr 26, 2019 at 9:13 AM

I'm excited about my upcoming sculpture exhibition, after so many years of painting. I learned to weld 2 years ago so the exhibit will include recent welded sculpture and a large ad hoc outdoor installation in the adjacent outdoor gallery.

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Nov 24, 2018 at 5:57 AM

Posted on: Nov 23, 2018 at 9:32 PM

belated birthday wishes Alan!