Jeffrey J. Hoone Gallery and Endowment Dedicated at Light Work

Jeffrey J. Hoone, former executive director of Light Work

Watson Auditorium was the site of last month’s dedication ceremony for the Jeffrey J. Hoone Gallery and endowment fund at Light Work, named for the longtime former executive director. Hoone, an award-winning artist, retired in 2021 after more than 40 years with Syracuse University, but has remained deeply engaged with Light Work.

Jeffrey Hoone and Syracuse University Artist in Residence Carrie Mae Weems

Members of the arts community came together in celebration of the dedication, including Light Work Director Dan Boardman and Syracuse University Artist in Residence Carrie Mae Weems, who read a statement from artist Dawoud Bey. Some 150 people—artists, students, family members and friends of Hoone—attended the event.

The gallery and fund were established by Hoone and Weems, with additional funding from alumnus Richard L. Menschel ’55, charitable foundation Joy of Giving Something Inc. and others.

Syracuse University Artist in Residence Carrie Mae Weems

“Light Work’s mission is to support emerging and underrepresented artists,” Boardman says. “Our newly minted Hoone Gallery will continue with its special focus on the talent right here in Central New York. This gift ensures that artists will be seen in this space for the long term. It is truly a remarkable gift both to Light Work and more broadly to the community at Syracuse University and beyond. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to Jeff’s hard work, dedication and vision.”

Light Work Director Dan Boardman

Light Work, housed in the Robert B. Menschel Media Center at Syracuse University, was founded as an artist-run nonprofit in 1973. Hoone led the organization from 1982 to 2021; during his tenure, Light Work sponsored 503 artists-in-residence, hosted more than 400 exhibitions, offered more than 1,000 classes and workshops and published more than 220 issues of the photography magazine Contact Sheet.

For more information, visit www.lightwork.org.

Sharron Higgins, sister of Jeffrey Hoone, speaks with guests following the dedication ceremony.