Kenan Center To Present Connections: Art Committee Invitational Exhibit

Committee members featured in the show are Gerald Mead, Manning McCandlish, Susan Vasi, Donald E. Little, Robert Rimmer, and Ilania Kaplan Stangler. Invited artists are Arthur Barnes, Tracy Burke, Linda M. Gardell, Kristine Gazzo, Margaret M. Martin, Doug Michalski, Charles L. Ossman, Ina Randall, Cheryl L. Rutter, Joan Langley Shaw, Christopher Stangler, Ralph Verano, Jeffrey J. Watkins, and Mark Dennis Zahm. Mead selected works by his mother, the late Margaret Mead. All artists are from the Western New York area except for husband and wife, Ralph Verano and Tracy Burke, who maintain a studio in Orlando, Florida, and were recently profiled in Orlando Arts Magazine. Verano is a former Western New York resident who works in acrylics and mixed media; Burke works in oils and most recently exhibited a painting of Virginia Woolf (presented in this show) at the Florida Museum of Art in Orlando.

Says Kenan Center Executive Director, Susan Przybyl: “The exhibit has taken shape over the course of several months, with the premise being that we would present an exhibit of works by our artist/committee members along with invited artists. Our non-artist members were also asked to invite artists of their choice. The title Connections was a natural out-growth of this theme—how the members and invited artists are connected. The resulting show is very diverse in media and artistic styles, and each of the members is providing a statement that will further enhance the exhibit with personal reflections on the artists they chose.”

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 hosts exhibits year round of local, regional and national artists.

Situated on 25 beautiful acres in historic Lockport, New York, the Kenan Center is a regional community center for arts, education and recreation. For more information, call (716) 433-2617 or go to www.kenancenter.org.

Popular Classes at Kenan Center Get People Moving to Music

“Children and Music Together” is a new program developed by Mary Dunn, an early childhood and elementary school teacher who has been offering a music-based program for preschoolers at the Kenan Center for 15 years. The program, geared to ages three months to five years, is modeled on similar national programs that use music as a tool for early learning development, and incorporates American Sign Language as part of the program.

Classes offered will be: “Wonderfully New” for ages 3 to 17 months on Mondays, 5:15 p.m. and Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.; “The World Around Me” for ages 18 months to 3 years on Mondays, 6:15 p.m. and Tuesdays, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.; Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and “Imagination” for ages 3 ½ to 5 years on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m.

Classes start the week of October 4. The cost is $85 for members; $95 for non-members with no additional materials fees. Registration will continue through September 30.

For those who like to move to the music, the Kenan Center will once again offer a ten-week Ballroom Dancing class taught by veteran instructor, Jackie George. Interest in ballroom dance has surged with the success of shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” and George is seeing people of all ages signing up for the class which introduces students to the basic American Ballroom styles including the foxtrot, waltz, and swing as well as the more exotic Latin styles like tango and cha cha. The fall class starts September 22. Cost is $55 for members; $75 for non-members.

Individuals can call 433-2617 to register by phone or in person at the Kenan Center Business Office, 433 Locust Street, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A complete description of classes is available online at www.kenancenter.org.

Niagara Frontier Art Exhibit Opens July 16

Since 1969, the Kenan Center’s Niagara Frontier Art Exhibit has provided a forum for significant new works by artists from Western New York. The juried show features a variety of media including oils, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, photography, pen and ink, mixed media work, sculpture and ceramics.

Six cash awards will be presented during the opening reception including Best of Show, Juror’s Choice Purchase Award, the Sheila Whalen Memorial Realism in Drawing Award, and three Awards of Excellence. In addition, three Honorable Mention Awards will be given. The show was juried by Grace Meibohm, owner and manager of Meibohm Fine Arts, Inc. in East Aurora.

Seventy-seven works out of 130 submissions were selected for the show, with 52 artists chosen to participate. Artists are: Thomas Paul Asklar; Patricia S. Bennett; Lorna Berlin; Melvin G. Block; Priscilla Bowen; Vivian Boyd; Catherine Brown; Amy Bryan; Michael Cacioppo; Nancy Cerny; Tom Dalbo; Sharon Fundalinski; Walter Garver; Kristine Gazzo; Diane Goupil; Richard Hageman; Joan Hambleton; Sandra Heath; Susan Hohl; Jean Jain; Patricia Kraus; Jennifer Kursten; Donald E. Little; Maureen Matthews; Manning McCandlish; Kathy McDonnell; Kelsey Merkle; John G. Merlino; Margaret H. Morgan; Shirley Murdoch; Marc Murphy; Sandra Orlanda-Vanich; Marie Prince; Dennis Revitsky; Bob Rimmer; Helen R. Russell; Joan Saba; Kath Schifano; Joan L. Shaw; Rosemarie B. Sroka; R.H. Stamps; Dennis Stierer; E. Jane Stoddard; John Stoklosa; Mimi Swados; David Vitrano; Dody Walter; Jamie Wasik; Teresa Weston; Joseph A. Whalen; Jeanette Woodward; and Robert Wurster.

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 hosts exhibits year round of local, regional and national artists. Situated on 25 beautiful acres in historic Lockport, New York, the Kenan Center is a regional community center for arts, education and recreation. For more information, call (716) 433-2617 or go to www.kenancenter.org.

Special Event: Art, Books & Tea: An Afternoon with Author Lauren Belfer & Artist Nancy Belfer, June 27

The program takes place Sunday, June 27, from 1-4 pm, and begins with a tea in the Kenan House Gallery. Visitors will enjoy chicken salad, dessert, and a selection of hot and cold teas followed by a brief introduction to the exhibit by Nancy Belfer. Author Lauren Belfer will present a book talk and signing in the Taylor Theater, directly behind the Kenan Gallery, from 2:45 to 4 pm.

Space is limited for the full program with tea, and advance reservations are required. Cost for the tea with a copy of the signed book is $45 per person; $20 per person without a book. Reservations can be made by calling 433-2617 or in person at the Kenan Center Business Office, Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm. Sorry, we are unable to take reservations on weekends.

Lauren Belfer's new book is described as the "perfect marriage of history, espionage, and romance" by publisher Harper Collins. Set in New York City during WWII, A Fierce Radiance revolves around Claire Shipley, a photojournalist for Life magazine, who stumbles on a career-making story when she's assigned to photograph scientists working on the development of penicillin.

The general public is invited to attend the book talk/signing at 2:30 in the Kenan Center Taylor Theater. The cost is $10 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Kenan Center, a regional community center for arts, education and recreation.

Extraordinary Forms: 40 Years of Craft Media Opens May 16

Artisans included are: Jozef Bajus, Nancy Belfer, Marvin Bjurlin, Carla Castellani, Laurie dill-Kocher, Rolf Hoeg, Kevin Kegler, Richard Kegler, William Keyser, Jappie King Black, Stephen Merritt, Lori Mills, Barbara Murak, Tara Nahabetian, Lynn Northrop, Ginny O’Brien Lohr, Shirley Rosenthal, Stephen Saracino, Thomas Stender, Deborah Stewart, William Stewart, Carol Townsend, and Robert Wood.

Enamel artist, Shirley Rosenthal, in addition to being an early exhibitor in 100 American Craftsmen, was also one of its founders, helping to shape the show into what it is today: an exhibition of quality craft art, hand-crafted and sold by artisans from across the country.

The first “Extraordinary Forms” exhibit was held in 2007 and was subtitled “Binational Clay” for its representation of ceramic artists from Western New York and Ontario, Canada. These artists also had the distinction of being faculty members of colleges and universities where studio art is taught, and are among the most notable institutions of higher learning in the country for such study.

Extraordinary Forms II will be open to the public during 100 American Craftsmen, except for Friday, June 4th. Dates and times will be Saturday, June 5th, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 6th, Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Kenan Center summer gallery hours will be Monday-Friday, Noon-5:00 p.m. and Sundays, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Gallery will be closed the weekend of July 4th.

For more information, call (716) 433-2617 or go to www.kenancenter.org.

Kenan Center Announces Artisans Selected for 40th Anniversary 100 American Craftsmen Show, June 4-6

109 artisans have been selected for this year’s anniversary show, including four “master craftsmen,” who are past recipients of the show’s highest award. They are Bryan Hopkins, Buffalo; Jim and Pat Reno, Mayville, NY; Sally Danforth, East Aurora, NY; and Katherine Gullo, Portland, NY. Artisans represent eight states including New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, New Jersey, Florida, and Massachusetts.

Additional artisans selected are: Basketry: Jan Ferries, Kendall, NY.

Ceramics: Richard Aerni, Rochester, NY; James Burke, West Winfield, NY; Pamela Delyannis, Fillmore, NY; Audrey & Donald Dowling, Westfield, NY; Bette Drake, Cleveland, OH; Alice Drew, Rochester, NY; Julianna Drumheller ; E Rochester, NY; Stephen Fabrico, Bloomington, NY; Mark Klammer, Hammondsport, NY; Brad Kato, Rhinebeck, NY; Linda Keleigh, Neptune, NJ; James Kozlowski, Bloomfield, NY; Sharon Schuchardt Patsos, Syracuse; Marsha Van Vlack, Whitesville, NY; Theresa Yonda, Novelty, OH.

Wearable Fiber: Sandy Atkins-Moran, Carrollton, TX; Kristine Baker, Spencerport, NY; Shengizhu & Gene, Bernardin, Torrington, CT; Jane Bartlett, Fairport, NY; Lois Bosworth, N Olmsted, OH; Margaret Cherre, Friendship, NY; Kathy Dinsmore, Punxsutawney, PA; Lori Ross, Ashford, CT; Lisa Saether, Bluff Point, NY; Barbara Jean Weingart, Syracuse, NY.

Non-Wearable Fiber: Anne Garretson, Spencer, NY; Christine Ann Nowak, Hamburg, NY; Linda & Cara Surace, Columbiana, OH; Fran Zaborowski, West Falls, NY.

Decorative Glass: Leon Applebaum, Prattsburgh, NY; Clifford Olson, Tonawanda, NY; Richard Seegers, Trumansburg, NY; Yvonne Stoklosa, Elma, NY; Amanda McBride & Lance Taylor, Batavia, NY.

Leather: Bob & Ellen Chandler, Warsaw, NY; Pong Gaddi, Buffalo, NY; Pat Halpen, Ithaca, NY; Tom Hayward, Charlemont, MA.

Decorative Metal: George Borrelli, Albion, NY; Andrew Chambers Jr. , Amherst, NY; Timothy Dunn, Albion, NY.

Mixed Media: Elizabeth Cooper, Waterport, NY; Marc Gaiger, Fairport, NY; Diana Hydock, Freeland, PA; Jim and Ann Jackson, Lakewood, NY; Dan MClure and Antoinette Magaletta, Shortsville, NY; Harold Mattie, Grand Island, NY; Cheryl & Don Olney, Rochester, NY.

Other: JoAnn Vanderheite, Grand Island, NY (gourds).

Paper: Raphaela McCormack, Rochester, NY; Pat Sorbini, Buffalo, NY; Chris Stangler, Lockport, NY.

Wood: David Barclay, Bergen, NY; Patrick Del Monte, Forestville, NY; Mark & Sharon Diebolt, Rochester, NY; Mike & Roz DuFlo, Dunkirk, NY; William Peck, Ontario, NY; Kenneth Schosek, Amherst, NY; Scott Sober, Scottsville, NY; Roy Ticen, E Aurora, NY; Brad Wiley, New Castle, PA; Charles Willard, Honeoye Falls, NY; Dave Zaborowski, West Falls, NY

Glass Jewelry: Troy Bennett, Constantia, NY; Lauren & Michael Davern, Lancaster, NY; Gretchen Lapp Hamlin, Skaneateles, NY; Linda A. Mayer Hoffman, Clarence, NY; Linda Lawrence, Rochester, NY; Kathi Roussel, Buffalo, NY; Bonnie Scott, Odessa, NY; Marie & Dean Shaw, Fredonia, NY; Julia Skop, Snyder, NY

Metal Jewelry: Einat Agmon, Buffalo, NY; Betty Ann Bosworth, The Villages, CT; Dale D. Bosworth, Williamsville, NY; Cheryl Brooks, Mifflintown, PA; Tim & Sharon Carey, Shickshinny, PA; Melissa Crowell, E Aurora, NY; Eileen DelDuca, Canandaigua, NY; Harriet Forman Barrett, New Paltz, NY; Judith M. Foster, Rochester, NY; Irwin Franco, Amherst, NY; Juliet Hammet-Cone, Warwick, NY; Cynthia Hand, Amherst, NY; Bonnie Hedden, Bath, NY; Sharon Jeter, Rochester, NY; Katherine Kohlhagen, West Seneca, NY; Valerie Masterman, Buffalo, NY; Nancy Miller, Saratoga Springs, NY; Alex Russell, Buffalo, NY; Katie Sallander, Buffalo, NY; Debbie SanFillip; Penfield, NY; Sharon Teaman, State College, PA; Tammy Ulrich, Williamsville, NY

Other Jewelry; Marrie Buchsbaum, Cromwell, CT; Dayna Banka-Slone, Buffalo, NY; Sarah Blackman, Buffalo, NY; Michelle DaRin, Jamesville, NY; Louisa Kim, Honeoye Falls, NY; Noell Lemmen, Wagontown, PA; Betty Stephan, West Valley, NY.

Jurors for this year’s show included Shirley Rosenthal, Enamel artisan and one of the initial group of artisans who were involved in the creation of 100 American Craftsmen. Also selected as jurors were Ginny O’Brien Lohr, Curator of Education, Anderson Gallery; Lori Mills, Clay Artisan and Associate Professor of Art, SUNY Brockport; and Thomas Stender, Furniture Designer.

Sponsorship for 100 American Craftsmen is being provided by The Buffalo News, First Niagara Bank, and Travers Collins & Company. Additional sponsors are Lamar Outdoor Advertising, WBFO, the Zenger Group, Phillips Lytle, LLP, and the Premier Group.

For more information, go online to www.kenancenter.org/arts/craftsmen.asp.

25th Annual Storrs All High Photo Show Opens April 11

Twenty-seven high schools will be represented in this year’s show. They are: Akron Central; Alden Central; Amherst; C.W. Baker; Cassadaga Valley; Clarence; Fillmore Central; Honeoye Falls-Lima Central; Lyons; Kenmore East; Kenmore West; Lancaster; Lewiston Porter; Lima Christian; Lockport; Newfane; North Rose-Wolcott; Pembroke; Pulaski Academy & Central High School; Southwestern; Springville Griffith; 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 exhibit continues through May 9. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Class tours are welcome during school hours.

Named in honor of Lockport artist, William Storrs, who passed away in 2005. An accomplished artist and long-time contributor to visual arts programming at the Kenan Center, Storrs was instrumental in starting the All High Photo Show which was designed to showcase the photographic work of high school students throughout Western New York, and was an active participant in the installation of the works as well as the awards presentation.

The Kenan Center is a regional community center for arts, education and recreation located on 25 beautiful acres in historic Lockport, New York. Facilities include a sports arena, a 153-seat theater, education building, outdoor recreational fields, and the Kenan house, an 1800’s Victorian mansion featuring a year-round art gallery, gift shop and formal gardens. For more information call (716) 433-2617 or visit us online at www.kenancenter.org.

Buffalo's "Queen of Puppetry" to Perform at Kenan Center

On March 26 and 27, 7:00 p.m., Costa will present “a tiny spectacle of shoe shine evangelism,” with THE GREAT SHINER’S SHOW. In a series of vignettes, Costa, in the role of a shoe shiner, invites us to meet ordinary characters in everyday settings, with jazz selections that range from Fred Astaire to Wycleff Gordon and Miles Davis--all pieces specially selected to complement each character's story. The performance is best enjoyed by children ages 7 and up. Tickets are $10 adults, $9 seniors & members, and $8 children, and can be charged by phone by calling 433-2617 or purchased at the Kenan Center Business Office, 433 Locust Street, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased at the door, subject to availability.

Costa will also present two student performances of UNDERGROUND, OVER THE MOON, March 25 and 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the Taylor Theater. The story focuses on slavery and the Underground Railroad told through puppetry, movement and music with limited use of dialogue. The performance is geared to children in grades 1-7. Cost per student is $6. Teachers can reserve seats by calling the Kenan Center at 433-2617.

A graduate of SUNY Fredonia, Costa started her company, TheatreFiguren, in 1991. In 2006, Costa created puppets for a highly acclaimed performance of The 4th Wise Man based on a script by Buffalo native turned Hollywood producer, Tom Fontana. Most recently, Costa created puppetry and masks for New Phoenix Theatre's "Freud & the Sandman" and for a new production of "The Nutcracker" by the Neglia Ballet Artists.

For Costa, puppetry combines dance, movement, mime, music, visual art, and animated objects in one vast, rich art--both ancient and modernly progressive in expression. Her reason for performing with puppets is to tell a story in a different, dynamically symbolic and moving way.

Costa has performed at the Chautauqua Institution, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Joseph Campbell Festival, the Open Hand Puppet Museum, and the Buffalo Infringement Festival. For more information, go online to www.kenancenter.org.

Support for the Kenan Center Performing Arts Series is provided by the New York State Council for the Arts, a state agency; Grigg Lewis Foundation, PennPAT, Walmart, Target, Murphy Insurance Agency, Kenan Arts Council, Lockport Union Sun & Journal, and Lockport Inn & Suites.

Exhibit Opening: Uncommon Portraits for Art & Commerce, February 28, Featuring the Works of Josh Flanigan, Jean-Pierre Thimot and kc kratt

The exhibit is notable in the history of the Kenan Center House Gallery for its large representation of works that are primarily computer-generated rather than produced through traditional art media, giving exposure to contemporary artists whose tools are software programs that can produce an infinite variety of drawing and painting effects. Also unique to this exhibit are the commercial nature of the works by Thimot and Flanigan whose illustrations are frequently seen in Buffalo Spree Magazine, where they are both staff designers, and other Buffalo-area publications.

Josh Flanigan has been drawing since he was a child. Inspired by his father who was an artist, Flanigan, first explored pencil drawing and later branched out into watercolor, oils and other media while studying design and illustration in college. Flanigan’s career has focused on graphic design as well as illustration, primarily working in Photoshop.

Jean-Pierre Thimot, who spent his early years in Canada, moved to the Buffalo area in the late 1980s. Thimot graduated from Buffalo State College with a Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design and went on to work full-time as an illustrator and graphic designer for Buffalo Spree Publishing. Thimot also does freelance work for such clients as Live Nation, Theatre of Youth, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC.

kc kratt—lower case by choice-- is an experienced professional photographer who has been shooting commercially for over twenty-five years. He captures the unique interplay of subject, environment, light and artistry in images that have been honored many times, including awards from Graphis and Print Annual.

Currently, kratt is involved in two personal projects. Both explore his idea that the successful portrait ultimately suggests more than it reveals about the complexity and mystery of the individual. Selections from those two bodies of work, Storied Flesh and Wallflowers, are included in this exhibition. Previous exhibitions at the Kenan Center by kratt included studies in architecture and night photography.

A graduate of Toronto’s Ryerson University (Bachelor of Applied Arts in Photography) and the State University of New York at Buffalo (Master of Fine Arts), kratt numbers many national and regional advertising agencies as well as numerous public and private sector businesses among his clients. His work frequently appears in annual reports, magazines, calendars, and college viewbooks, as well as in books describing Buffalo’s rich architectural heritage. He is presently the editorial photographer for Buffalo Spree Magazine.

Regular gallery hours are Monday through Friday, Noon to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. For more information call 433-2617 or go to www.kenancenter.org.

Abdullah Match Comes to Kenan Arena March 20

Jurors for Kenan Center’s 40th Anniversary 100 American Craftsmen Announced

Jurors selected are Ginny O'Brien Lohr, fiber artist and Education Curator for the UB Anderson Gallery; Thomas Stender, Buffalo furniture designer; Shirley Rosenthal, enamel artist; and Lori Mills, ceramic artist and Associate Professor of Art at SUNY Brockport.

100 American Craftsmen traditionally takes place the first weekend after Memorial Day and includes live music, a wine tent, on-site café, gourmet food vendors, an herbal plant sale, and fine art exhibit. Admission is $6.00 with pre-sale and 3-Day passes being available. The indoor event attracts more than 5,000 visitors and takes place at the Kenan Center Arena located on the 25-acre campus of the Kenan Center at 433 Locust Street, Lockport. For more information, go to www.kenancenter.org.

Praises for Puppeteer Matthias Kuchta

Kuchta's one-night-only performance takes place at the Kenan Center Taylor Theater at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults, $9 seniors and members, and $8 children. Tickets can be charged by phone (716-433-2617), purchased at the Kenan Center business office Monday-Friday, or at the door if tickets remain available.

Kenan Arts Council Scholarship Applications Available

Three $600 scholarships will be awarded this year to high school seniors who will be attending college next year, majoring in art, design, theater or music. Applicants must meet high academic standards (a minimum high school grade average of 80%) and be actively involved in extracurricular and community activities. Completed applications must be sent to the Kenan Arts Council, Att: Scholarship Committee, 433 Locust St., Lockport, NY, 14094, by March 26, 2010.

The Kenan Arts Council is affiliated with the Kenan Center in Lockport. The Council raises funds throughout the year with various activities, such as its Holiday Gift Show and the annual plant sale, to support Kenan Center programs and to provide scholarships for area students.

For additional information, call the Kenan Center at 433-2617.

Kenan Center to Present German Master Puppeteer Matthias Kuchta February 13

Kuchta, who is currently on an international tour, will present the classic children’s story, RUMPELSTILSKIN, at the Kenan Center Taylor Theater, Saturday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. Kuchta first visited the Kenan Center in 2005, mesmerizing the sold out audience with his special brand of hands-on storytelling. Tickets are $10 adults; $9 members and seniors, and $8 children. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 433-2617 or in person at the Kenan Center Business Office, 433 Locust Street, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The performance is sponsored by Walmart, with additional support provided by the New York State Council on the Arts, Target, Lockport Union Sun & Journal, Lockport Inn & Suites and the Kenan Arts Council.

Kuchta Puppet-Making Workshop
Kuchta will also offer a workshop on the techniques of making puppets from found materials on Saturday, February 13 at 1:00 p.m. in the Kenan Center’s Taylor Theater Meeting Room. The workshop is designed for both parents and children, but also appeal to artists and educators. Fee for the workshop is $12 adults and $6 children. Children age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets for the performance must be purchased separately.

About Matthias Kuchta
Matthia Kuchta was born in Germany in 1949. He studied history, education and Slavic languages and art history and the University of Hamburg. After teaching for several years he entered the German Institute of Puppetry in Bochem where he “learned” the skills during three years from 1979 to 1982.

The “Bremen Musicians” in 1982 was his first performance followed by the “Emperor’s New Clothes,” and “The Wolf and the Seven Billy Goats Gruff,” followed by adaptations of Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen stories followed year after year.

Matthias Kuchta is a story teller/puppeteer who adapts classic tales that resonate with today's children and families....in fact the parents almost forget to even look at their own children as they themselves are taken into the tale. Matthias becomes the conductor of the orchestra of our emotions.

Matthias Kuchta speaks directly to the children. Playing to them and with them, he asks them not to pay attention to his German accent and has them participating in the performance by giving out certain objects to a delighted child...or surprised adult... that will be used later on in the show or by having them come on stage to perform with the puppets themselves. Matthias knows how to use each outburst of energy in a theatre filled with children to compliment his story telling without loosing the smallest detail.

Matthias has performed around the world with the Goethe Institute. His performances are interpreted in many languages: English, French, Russian, Polish as well as German. Venues around the world include: Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Yugoslavia, Portugal, Denmark, Italy, France, Albania, Eastern Europe, Canada, and the United States.

Matthias is currently working with the radio station in Hamburg to develop a series of CD’s for children with Grimm and Andersen tales in German accompanied by a musician. This past year he starred in a big band special called “The Jazz Monster” where he created a whole new cast of characters.

He has done programs for both the television and the radio in Zagreb and Tirana as well as an educational film for the Goethe Institute. The French-German television channel ARTE will host a special program about Matthias’ work next season.

For more information, visit the Kenan Center website at www.kenancenter.org

Joseph Whalen Exhibit Opens January 10

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.

A special “Tea & Tour” will be offered on Saturday, January 23 starting at 2:00 p.m. in the gallery. Guests will enjoy a “simple” tea that includes a variety of hot teas and sweet treats, followed by a tour of the exhibit with artist Joseph Whalen. Each guest will also receive an entry to win an artist-made piece of craft art and two tickets to the 40th Anniversary 100 American Craftsmen show, June 4-6, 2010. The Tea & Tour is $15 per person and reservations must be made in advance by calling 433-2617 or in person at the Kenan Center, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Seating is limited. Snow date for the event is January 30.

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.

Situated on 25 beautiful acres in historic Lockport, New York, the Kenan Center is a regional community center for arts, education and recreation. For more information, call (716) 433-2617 or go to www.kenancenter.org.

Kenan Center Welcomes Visitors to Enjoy Holiday House Festival of Trees, Dec 7-18

Visitors not only get to see one of the area’s most stunning examples of late 19th century Italianate architecture, but can enjoy beautifully decorated theme rooms. The elegant Living Room, for instance, is lavishly decked out with a 17 foot tree covered in gold and white ornaments, while the Dining Room features a Colonial Williamsburg theme complete with wreaths and centerpieces designed with seasonal fruits.

As a special bonus, each visitor will receive a free ticket to the 40th Anniversary 100 American Craftsmen show taking place June 4-6, 2010. Says Kenan Center spokesperson and marketing director, Elaine Harrigan, “The Kenan Center is developing a wide range of special events and promotions to mark the 40th year celebration, and we’re anticipating that this year’s 100 American Craftsmen will be one that art lovers throughout Western New York won’t want to miss!” To claim your free ticket, simply sign in at the gallery desk when visiting Holiday House, and then stop in the Business Office. One ticket per visitor.

Numerous volunteers have been involved with the creation of Holiday House including Tracy Cain, owner of Interiors by Decorator’s Den, Bruce Ader of Bruce Ader Appraisals and Estate Liquidators, and interior designer Julie Muscato with invaluable assistance from her mother Jean Skop. In addition, the Kenan Quilters’ Guild has decorated a room with large and small quilts along with a variety of folksy pieces like teddy bears and dolls, and additional decoration has been provided by the Kenan Arts Council and Friends of the Kenan Herb Club.

For information, go to www.kenancenter.org or call 433-2617.

Kenan Center to Present Mike Randall's Solo Performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, November 14

The classic holiday story comes to life as Randall transforms himself into the famed writer Charles Dickens, a role he has been playing since 2007. Critics have applauded Randall’s one-man show, saying “….…when Randall loses himself in those Dickensian bouts of rich description, he’s at the top of his game,” and called the performance “an exquisite moving performance of A Christmas Carol.” The performance is a co-production of MusicalFare, Randall Kramer Executive Producer.

Mike Randall has performed a variety of roles in theatres around the country and continues to perform his critically acclaimed, one-man portrayal of Mark Twain Live! Mike also spent time as the Marvelous Magical Burger King where he perfected his abilities as a magician & live family entertainer. Mike Randall is also a member of the Puppeteers of America. Randall can be seen regularly in his role as a meteorologist on WKBW-TV Channel 7.

Support for the Kenan Center’s 2009-2010 Performing Arts season is provided by the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency; Grigg Lewis Foundation, Target, Kenan Arts Council, Lockport Union Sun & Journal and Lockport Inn & Suites.

Tickets can be charged by phone by calling 433-2617, purchased Monday through Friday at the Kenan Center Business Office, or at the door. For more information, go online to www.kenancenter.org.