Since 2014, Karen Levitov has served as director and curator of the Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery at Stony Brook University, where she emphasizes education and social relevance in her approach to curating exhibitions. The gallery, located within the Staller Center for the Arts, functions not only as an exhibition space but also as a site for dialogue and cultural research.
Levitov describes her philosophy as “curatorial activism,” shaped by early mentors who inspired her to see curation as a form of advocacy. “Curating is about more than selecting and arranging works in a space,” she said. “There are years of research and collaboration that go into it. Curating can shape ideas, bring different artists’ work to light, and help define the narrative we share with audiences.”
Research is central to Levitov’s process. She explained that planning exhibitions often takes several years: “Most people don’t realize that exhibitions take years to plan,” she said. “Even shorter projects can involve two or three years of research, writing, and collaboration before a single artwork is installed.”
One notable project under Levitov’s direction was Revisiting 5+1 (2022–2023), which involved PhD-candidate curators, Thaw Professor Katy Siegel, Distinguished Professor Howardena Pindell, and collaborations with external institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Frank Bowling Studio and Archive. The team reconstructed a 1969 Stony Brook exhibition featuring thirteen Black abstract artists while also highlighting women artists from that era who had been overlooked.
“The research for Revisiting 5+1 helped us uncover forgotten histories,” Levitov reflected. “It revealed how a university gallery can play a vital role in preserving and retelling stories that might otherwise disappear.”
In 2025, Levitov oversaw Weaving Words, Weaving Worlds, curated by Shinnecock artist Jeremy Dennis. This exhibition examined connections between Indigenous language and contemporary art through partnerships with Stony Brook’s Algonquian Language Revitalization Project and Native American and Indigenous Studies minor programs. In her foreword to the exhibition catalog, Levitov wrote: “A core part of lived history and experience is language… This exhibition affirms Indigenous sovereignty, history, and experience through art and collaboration.”
Education remains integral to the gallery’s mission under Levitov’s leadership. She noted: “Our educational mission is crucial… We collaborate with faculty across departments — from anthropology to creative writing to social work — to craft tours and programs that connect their courses to the art on view.” These collaborations create customized learning experiences linking artistic practice with academic disciplines.
Levitov also teaches students about practical aspects of curating through a Gallery Management Workshop course: “I want them to understand that what they see on the walls is just the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “Behind it are years of research, problem-solving, and collaboration. I think of it as creative problem solving; it’s about taking an idea and figuring out how to bring it to life.”
Her exhibitions often address themes such as equity, identity, storytelling, archival scholarship, cross-disciplinary collaboration—and seek engagement from both campus members and local residents alike: “I love it when the general public and the campus community come together,” she said. “It’s not just about art appreciation; it’s about shared experience.” She added: “When people know something about the artwork and the artist, things that might seem challenging or controversial take on meaning… They become learning tools and pathways to understanding.”
Looking ahead at future programming for Zuccaire Gallery—including continued integration with technology studies or social justice initiatives—Levitov expressed optimism regarding university galleries’ ability to innovate collaboratively: “I think university galleries have a unique freedom… We can take risks explore complex ideas—and work collaboratively with faculty students—and artists—to expand boundaries…”
For further information on current or upcoming exhibitions at Zuccaire Gallery visit https://ZuccaireGallery.stonybrook.edu.