NARROWSBURG — For 16 years, the Art in Sixes small works exhibition has been a staple for the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA).

And for 16 years, one man's vision has brought this exhibition to Narrowsburg and has allowed hundreds, if not thousands, of artists to be a part of the art culture in Sullivan County.

That man is Michael Rocco (Rocky) Pinciotti, who is retiring from his position at the DVAA.

Born in Waterloo, Iowa, and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Rocky eventually made his way to New York City to attend graduate school at Pratt Art Institute, where he received his Masters of Fine Arts degree in 1981.

After exhibiting at several galleries in New York City and across the country and internationally, Rocky headed north. Eventually, he became the Gallery Director for the DVAA and also became an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Sullivan later on.

For teaching, he was recently awarded the State University of New York's Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.

One of the first shows he was able to put together at the DVAA was Art in Sixes, and it has become one of the most special exhibitions that occur in Sullivan County.

What is Art in Sixes? It is a small work exhibition where each piece is six inches or less in any direction, and the work ranges from painting, photography, sculpture, and intimate drawings. In recent years, over 600 pieces fill the DVAA gallery space and draw hundreds of artists in the area. The show also gives art lovers a chance to buy art that is affordable.

“This show has been about me giving back to you [the artist] and the second part of that is the artists are giving back to DVAA,” said Pinciotti.

On Saturday, November 21, to kick off the start of the 16th annual Art in Sixes exhibition, which runs from now until December 23, a flash mob was organized on Main Street in Narrowsburg in front of the DVAA.

Close to 100 people gathered, with masks and socially distanced, to salute and say ‘thank you' to the man who has brought this exhibition to the county.

At 2 p.m. on that day, everyone held up a glass and tapped it, a common thing Rocky would do to get everyone's attention during an opening exhibition.

On the balcony of the DVAA's Delaware Arts Center, Executive Director Ariel Shanberg presented Rocky with a portfolio of artwork donated by many artists as a retirement gift.

“Rocky's passion and commitment for artists was one of the first things I noticed upon joining DVAA,” said Shanberg.

“From our year-round exhibitions and pop up events like the Radius series and Art in Bloom to the Riverfest Poster Auction and Art in Sixes, Rocky has always placed the community at the core of what defines our visual arts programming. While we are coming to the close of a remarkable tenure, it's safe to say the creativity and dedication to championing the voices of our region's visual artists that Rocky instilled over the past 16 years will help guide our programming for years to come.”

Likewise, the past Executive Director Elaine Giguere said, “Rocky always gave 110 percent in his job as the DVAA Gallery Director. It was fun to see him get excited about a new show, and especially the annual small works show, ‘Art in Sixes,' that features several hundred artists. He has made many friends for DVAA because he genuinely loves working with the artists to make each show shine.”

Furthermore, she added, “Rocky was always there to make other projects work, too. Off-site, he helped transform vacant buildings around the county for a series of exhibitions titled ‘Radius 127' (with the last two zip numbers reflecting the town in which it was held); created slideshows and atmospherics for our fundraisers and played emcee and host for innumerable DVAA gatherings.”

DVAA Board President Jeffrey Allison said, “Rocky is an institution for the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance. [And] you saw today, all of the artists that turned out for him. He really put on great things with Riverfest, and he put on great Art in Sixes, but mostly he kept the artists together as a family. He's been really great to know.”

Former DVAA Program Director Bizzy Coy said, “Rocky is the heart and soul of DVAA's visual arts program. From monthly gallery shows to artist talks to Riverfest to Art in Sixes, he approaches everything he does with boundless enthusiasm and good humor. He's a show-up-early, stay-up-late kind of guy, always going above and beyond, never satisfied until every picture frame is hung straight and every patron is welcomed with a hearty hello. If anyone deserves a restful retirement, it's Rocky, the patron saint of artists in the Upper Delaware River Valley.”

Artist William Landau said, “What comes to mind is how thorough and energetic he is when mapping out grids for hanging, especially for Art in Sixes. The same enthusiasm for the art and artist in any hanging project; always wanting to be sure and get it flawlessly right, and presenting so well. Always thoughtful and considerate of the artist and her/his feelings. Rocky is hardworking without any sign of stress, taking on the work of laying-out/hanging art without losing his good sense of humor. I had the pleasure of working with him a couple of times and felt really good about that. Good instructions, good breathing room.”

Likewise, artist Brandi Merolla said, “Seeing Rocky retire from the DVAA as gallery director is bittersweet. For 15 plus years, regional artists have had the pleasure of working with a true professional, a visionary, and a really nice guy. Rocky's broad knowledge of art history and numerous art forms has led to years of impressive gallery shows. Though he will be missed, we all wish Rocky the very best in his future ventures!”