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Kenan Center House Gallery

Admission-free gallery featuring local and regional fine art exhibits with a strong focus on Western New York artists.

About the Kenan Center House Gallery
Note: The gallery is closed on major holidays and occasionally closed due to private functions. If traveling, call ahead to confirm that the gallery is open.

UPCOMING EXHIBITS 2010

Uncommon Portraits for Art & Commerce, February 28-April 2
Works of Josh Flanigan, kc kratt and Jean-Pierre Thimot
Storrs All High Photo Show, April 11-May 9
Extraordinary Forms 2, May 16-July 11
Niagara Frontier Art Exhibit, July 16-September 3
Art Committee Invitational, September 12-October 3
Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society, October 10-November 14

CURRENT EXHIBIT

Joseph Whalen Exhibit

January 10-February 21, 2010

The Gallery will be closed January 23 for a private event.

A solo exhibit of paintings by Lockport’s Joseph Whalen will take place at the Kenan Center House Gallery, January 10 through February 21. The show will open with a free public reception, Sunday, January 10 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The gallery is open Monday-Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00-5:00 p.m. The gallery will be closed January 18.

A former art teacher, Whalen is most noted for his paintings of Lockport scenes which are highly collected. Whalen studied at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Buffalo State College and the Albright Art School. In addition, he completed graduate work at the University of Buffalo and Niagara University.

PREVIOUS EXHIBITS, 2009

Buffalo Society of Artists 113th Annual Fall Catalog Exhibition

October 18-November 15, 2009

Opening reception, Sunday, October 18, 2-5 pm. Gallery hours, Monday-Friday, noon-5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 2-5 pm. Gallery tours, November 7 & 8 at 2, 3 & 4 pm.

Eighty-one works were accepted and represent 65 members and associate members of the BSA. They are:
Dianne Baker, Sharon M. Bartell, Lorna Berlin, Dennis Bertram, Bruce A. Blair, Jeanette Blair, Priscilla Bowen, Catherine Brown, Susan Budash, Nancy Cerny, Todd Chalk, Carol Clark, Sylvia Coles, Susan Copley, Kathleen E. Dworak, Jane Foley Ferraro, Karen Foegen, Pat Fortunato, Robert K. Freeland, Kathleen S. Giles, Eileen M. Graetz, Joan Hambleton, Patti Harris, Irene Haupt, Joyce M. Hill, Stephen Houseknecht, Charles Houseman, Len Kagelmacher, Elaine Kessel, Jennifer M. Kursten, Bunny Leighton, Lisa Ludwig, MD, William C. Maggio, Susan M. Miller, Ruth M. Mohn, Brenda Molloy, Sally Moran, Francis A. Noonan, Lynn B. Northrup, Marjorie Norton, John Novelli, John O'Reilly, Beth Pedersen, Marlene Peradotto, Ann Perry Smith, Ann Peterson, Joseph J. Porreca, Russell Ram, Fotini Renzoni, Stephen H. Rovner, Andy Russell, Helen Rogers Russell, Paula Sciuk, James Sedwick, Norine Spurling, Karen J.S. Tashjian, Catherine Tillou, Linda Toomey, David Vitrano, John Wade, Jr., Jacqueline Welch, Jospeh A. Whalen, Gene Witkowski, Gary L. Wolfe, and Jody Ziehm.

For more information on the Buffalo Society of Artists, visit their website

Pastel Perfect: A Survey of Western New York Pastel Artists

August 14-October 11, 2009

The Kenan Center in Lockport will present an exhibit titled “Pastel Perfect: A Survey of Western New York Pastel Artists,” August 14 through October 11. A free opening reception will be held on Friday, August 14, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The show is guest curated by Gerald Mead, former long-time curator at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and currently an instructor at Buffalo State College and the University at Buffalo.

Six artists were selected to be represented in the exhibit. They are: Priscilla Bowen, George Grace, Margaret Hart, Kathy McDonnell, Todd Overturf and George Palmer. The highly accomplished Western New York artists selected demonstrate the range of artistic expression and technical proficiency in this genre of art. The subject matter represented ranges from sensitively rendered portraits and atmospheric still lifes to landscapes that utilize the highly contrasting chromatic effects that are achievable with this medium.

Says Mead of this unique exhibition of Western New York pastel artists: “Pastel, an art medium used primarily for drawing since the 15th century, is a chameleonic material since it is often associated with delicate hues, however, since it is available in a broad range of bright colors, contemporary artists have also used it to achieve bold effects.”

Mead will present a free guided tour of the exhibit on Tuesday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

The Kenan Center Gallery is located at 433 Locust Street, Lockport. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The gallery will be closed September 6 and 7. Saturday hours resume on September 12. For more information, call 433-2167 or go to www.kenancenter.org.

Buffalo Niagara Art Association Exhibit

July 10-August 9, 2009

The Kenan Center will present an exhibit of works by the Buffalo Niagara Art Association (BNAA), July 10 through August 9. The exhibit opens with a public reception from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Gallery located at 433 Locust Street, Lockport. Exhibit hours are Monday-Friday, Noon-5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 2-5 p.m. The Gallery will be closed July 2, 3 and 4.

The exhibit will feature 28 of the BNAA members. They are: Dennis Bertram, Joan MacDonald, Catherine P. O'Neill, Marjorie Norton, Paula Borkowski, Judie Pufpaff, Doris Palmer Miess, Jean Jain, Mimi Swados, Joan Shaw, Kath Shifano, Hebe Greizerstein, Nancy Palmer Miess, Anna Boccio, Joan Hambleton, Cindi O'Mara, E. Jane Stoddard, D. Ann Stievater, Kathleen McDonnell, Kaaren Metcalf, Manning McCandlish, M. Matthews, Gail P. Bille, Margaret J. Raab, Lorna Berlin, Mary Hamilton, Matthew Ryan and John Kennedy.

Formerly the Amherst Society of Artists, the group was renamed in 2006 to reflect the more diverse geographical area in which members live. Artistic styles range from photo realism to lyrical abstraction. The mission of BNAA is to foster a bond between artists, promoting understanding and interest in the creative arts.

For more information, call 433-2617.



Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society National Exhibit

May 24-July 2, 2009
The Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society presents a national exhibit featuring the work of 54 local and national artisans. Juror for the show was Birgit O'Connor, an accomplished watercolor painter whose work has appeared in more than 30 national and international publications. Award judge is Jane E. Jones who has studied with over 60 of the leading instructors and is in demand as an instructor, lecturer, juror and judge. Chair for the exhibit is Kandida Kubala; Co-Chair, Mary Hardegen.

The exhibit opens with a free public reception Sunday, May 24 from 2-5 pm. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 12 noon to 5 pm and Sundays, 2-5 pm. The gallery will also be open 11 am-5 pm, May 30 and Noon to 4 pm, May 31 during 100 American Craftsmen. The gallery will be closed May 25, June 1 and July 3-5.

Kenan Center Presents Forty-Nine Awards in All High Photo Show Opening

The Kenan Center was filled to over-flowing on Sunday, March 29, when students, parents, teachers and friends packed the house for the opening of the 24th annual Storrs All High Photo Show.

Kenan Center board member, Charlene Porteus, did the honors of announcing this year's award recipients which were selected by Lockport photographer Dennis Stierer, a long time photojournalist with the Greater Niagara Newspapers.

Top category awards went to the following students:
Jillian Douglas, Lima Christian, Best Computer Generated; Megan Najmulski, Williamsville East, Best Animal; Kelly Novak, C. W. Baker, Best Floralscape; Katelyn Lang-Jordan, Akron, Best Waterscape; Eric Haase, Kenmore East, Best Architecture; Amanda Wach, Springville Griffith, Best Sports; Kimberley Whitbeck, Lancaster, Best Still Life; Nicole Doherty, Lancaster, Best Landscape; Jamie Ferguson, Clarence, Best Urbanscape; Jonathan Riggie, St. Joseph's Collegiate, Best Color; Melanie Beck, Honeoye Falls, Best Black & White; Navi Gill, Williamsville North, Best Portrait; Claudia Arend, North Rose-Wolcott, Best Documentary; Justin Henehan, North Rose-Wolcott; Next Vision Award; Monica Muszynski, Tonawanda, Best of Show Commercially Processed and Brianna Montanaro, Best of Show Student Processed. Selected as the Best School Overall was North Rose-Wolcott.

One student from each school received a merit award ribbon. Those students were:
Naomi Thompson, Akron; Morgan Dulski, Alden Central; Lauren Costello, Amherst; Meghan Mendiola, C.W. Baker; Richelle Dalaba, Cassadaga Valley; Christopher Caito, Clarence; Jonathan Hendricks, Fillmore Central; Caitlin Cook, Grand Island; Caitlin Walsh, Greece Athena; Danielle Billone, Honeoye Falls; Emily Dillon, Jorgan Elbridge; Scott Allair, Kenmore East; and Charlotte Harris, Kenmore West.

Also receiving merit awards were Amanda Lees, Lancaster; Sam Wilber, Lewiston Porter; Ashley McCaffrey, Lima Christian; Alicia Best, Lockport; Kelly Fisher, Medina; Heather Neureuther, Newfane; Purichaya "Punch" Sukpornsawan, North Collins; Rachel Spade, North Rose-Wolcott; Kelsey Rebman, Pioneer; Joshua Jakson, St. Joseph's Collegiate; Nick Hannum, Southwestern; Katie Wroblewski, Springville Griffith; Nicole Pens, Sweet Home; Nick Turon, Tonawanda; Jenna Danish, Wheatland-Chili; Keivn Guenther, Sam Rowen, Sarah Miknis and Maddie Scheur, Williamsville East; Cristen Vohwinkel, Williamsville North; and Dan McCarthy, York Central.

Special thanks to the Judy Naylor and the students of LCTV's after school student video production program who taped the opening, pianists Tyler and Kyle Davis, and the Kenan Arts Council for hostessing the reception.

The show will continue through April 19. Gallery viewing hours are Monday-Friday, Noon to 5:00 p.m; and Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Gallery, located inside the Kenan House, is located at 433 Locust Street, Lockport

24th Annual Storrs All High Photo Show

March 29-April 19, 2009

Join us as we celebrate the 24th year of this tremendous showcase of student photography! Thirty-two schools from across the region will participate this year. Opening reception and awards presentation takes place Sunday, March 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Image shown: Cory by Alexandra Dean, North Rose-Wolcott High School.

Thirty-one high schools will be represented in this year’s show. They are: Akron Central; Alden Central; Amherst; C.W. Baker; Cassadaga; Clarence; Fillmore Central; Grand Island; Greece Athena; Honeoye Falls-Lima Central; Jordan Elbridge; Kenmore East; Kenmore West; Lancaster; Lewiston Porter; Lima Christian; Lockport; Medina; Newfane; North Collins Jr/Sr; North Rose-Wolcott; Pioneer Central; Southwestern; Springville Griffith; St. Joseph’s Collegiate; Sweet Home; Tonawanda; Wheatland-Chili; Williamsville East; Williamsville North; and York Central.

Fifteen category awards will be presented. They are: Best School Overall, Best of Show, Student Processed and Best of Show Commercially Processed; Black & White, Color, Urbanscape; Landscape, Floralscape, Portrait, Waterscape, Computer Generated, Still Life, Sports, and Animal. In addition, one student from each school is recognized with a merit award. The Buffalo News sponsors the NeXt Vision Award for creative excellence.

School Tours Are Welcome! There is no admission fee for self-guided tours of the exhibit. However, your students can enjoy a docent-led tour of the historic Kenan House for a small donation of just $25 for a group of up to 30 students. Call for pricing for larger group tours. Please notify us at least one week in advance if you plan to visit; as soon as possible if you would like to schedule a docent-led tour.


In the Gallery: Raphael Beck Revisted
January 11-March 1, 2009

The Kenan Center is proud to present an exhibition of works by the reknown Niagara Frontier painter, Raphael Beck, in the Kenan House Gallery. This is the first presentation of Beck's works in the gallery since 1981 and promises to be a visual treat for all art lovers. Join us for a free opening reception, Sunday, January 11 from 2-5 pm.

The son of noted sculptor and painter, Augustus Beck, who designed the bas relief at the foot of the Washington Monument, Raphael moved to Lockport in the 1880’s and subsequently opened a studio on the top floor of Calumet Building in Buffalo which he maintained for over 30 years. Beck is renowned for his paintings of the Niagara Frontier and also designed the 1901 Pan-American Exposition official emblem, the Louisiana Purchase emblem, and the Lewis & Clark Exposition emblem. Beck painted numerous murals including ”The Opening of the Erie Canal” which is now on display at the Erie Canal Discovery Center in Lockport.

The exhibit continues through March 1. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call (716) 433-2617 or go to www.kenancenter.org.

For more on Raphael Beck, visit these links:
www.lockport-ny.com
Meibohm Fine Arts
www.niagarahistory.org

ABOUT THE KENAN CENTER HOUSE GALLERY
The Kenan Center House Gallery is located in the Kenan House, 433 Locust Street, Lockport. An active exhibition space since 1966 when it featured the works of Charles Burchfield, the Kenan Center House Gallery averages eight exhibits annually of local, regional and national artists. Committed to fostering artistic expression in young people, the gallery also includes a high school photo exhibit on its calendar each year and has recently added a Student Gallery to recognize and support the work of young artists. The Kenan Center also offers ARTiculations, an on-school-time visual and performing arts program during the school year.

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