SUNY Potsdam Hosts Screening of ‘The Artist & The Astronaut,’ Including Q&A with Creators Bill Muench ’85 & Todd Hobin ’72
SUNY Potsdam alumni Bill Muench ’85 (left) and Todd Hobin ’72 (right) pose with the poster for their documentary film outside the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, where it had its world premiere.
SUNY Potsdam will host a screening of a compelling documentary film masterminded by two accomplished alumni. “The Artist and the Astronaut” was written, edited and directed by Bill Muench ’85, with an original score by fellow alumnus Todd Hobin ’72.
A free screening of “The Artist and the Astronaut” will be held on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m., in the Black Box Theater, located in SUNY Potsdam’s Performing Arts Center. A question and answer session will be held with the filmmakers immediately after the screening, followed by a light reception in the PAC Lobby.
“The Artist and the Astronaut” takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through the fascinating dynamic between an engineer and an artist. It shines a spotlight on pivotal societal issues—ranging from women's rights and racial tensions to conflicts with indigenous peoples, campus protests, and the vital role of sustainability in space exploration.
The inspiring film tells the unlikely love story between the artist Pat Musick, a civil rights activist, and the Apollo astronaut Jerry Carr, as they participate in some of the most historic events in human history. The film is filled with never-before-seen footage of the early space pioneers and features interviews with key figures from that era. It chronicles Pat’s and Jerry’s vastly different paths as they traversed uncertain times, eventually came together to render some of America’s most enduring art. “The Artist and the Astronaut” is a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance and empathy as agents of change and love.
The story of the making of this documentary is as unlikely as the story depicted in the film. Muench, a full-time teacher and basketball coach, decided to make a documentary on a local Vermont couple, at the urging of his wife. He embarked on the journey with no plan or budget. Over the next six years, he traveled to nine states and two continents to interview numerous Apollo astronauts, their wives, award-winning authors, artists, art historians, and even NASA directors of mission control. Muench eventually teamed up with Hobin, a music legend known for his rock artistry and prolific songwriting, to produce a story that otherwise would have never been told.
Seating is limited, so free registration is required to attend. To RSVP, visit https://www.givecampus.com/schools/SUNYPotsdam/events/the-artist-the-astronaut-screening.
This LoKo Arts project is made possible by the generosity and artistic vision of Kathryn (Kofoed) '54 and Donald Lougheed (Hon.'54).
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.
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