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 May 2008 Back to Table of Contents Back to Archives Main Page Section: Arts The Craftsmen Return to Lockport By Courtney Pellett
But the Craftsmen fest, held at the Kenan Center in Lockport, is every bit the equal of any of Western New York’s annual art events. The indoor show is Buffalo and Niagara’s longest running show to highlight contemporary art. Known for its eclectic roster, it features leather, glass, metal, clay, wood, basketry, fiber, paper and mixed media. While hundreds of artists apply to be part of the show, only those that meet a high standard of quality, craftsmanship and originality are accepted. This year, 29 new artists will display their work for all to see. The type of art ranges from handmade paper used to create three-dimensional wall art to an original line of ladies wear. Attendees can enjoy live music from local favorites Michael Mazur Trio, Pocket Change, Ralph Fava Trio and Duo II Muto, craft demonstrations, and an herbal plant sale sponsored by the Friends of the Kenan Herb Club. Kenan Quilters’ Guild will hold a quilt raffle throughout the weekend to benefit the Kenan Center. It is also wise to make time to see the 1800’s Kenan Mansion, with its beautifully landscaped gardens, perennial garden, and quiet, shaded pond. A student gallery featuring Kenan Arts Council Art Grant recipients is housed in the Taylor Theater Community Room. There is also a fine art exhibit in the House Gallery featuring the Works of Lawrence V. Badgery, a respected landscape artist. But the real highlight is the 100 American Crafstmen show itself. One of its jurors, Shirley Rosenthal, an accomplished local enamel artist, helped start the show 38 years ago. Other jurors include Robert Wood, a professor of design and ceramics at Buffalo State College; Arle en Solly, owner of Kazoo II Craft art gallery; and Karen Ernst, assistant professor in woodworking and furniture design at Edinboro College. All proceeds from the show cover expenses and help to support the Kenan Center’s 25-acre campus, the largest regional community arts, education and recreation center in the eastern Niagara area. Tickets are on sale starting May 1 and can be purchased at the Kenan Center during business hours or by calling 433-2617. The Center is offering $1 off admission through email requests at info@kenancenter.org and advanced tickets are $5; the price on the day of the show is $6. Each admission ticket gets a raffle ticket for the chance to win an original craft. back to top back to table of contents Current Issue | About Forever Young | Where to Find | Advertise | Our Advertisers | Community Calendar | Contest | Clubs | Contact Us | Archives | Home |
