The Castellani Art Museum is hosting “Diverse Western New York,” an exhibit of contemporary artworks that celebrates the cultural and artistic diversity within the local region. This unique exhibition, curated by students from NU’s Introduction to Museum Studies class, highlights a selection of works from the CAM collection, featuring a variety of sizes, colors, and mediums.
The exhibition opens on Tuesday with a public reception starting at 5:15 p.m. It will continue to be on display until March 17.
“I hadn’t realized how much I enjoyed exploring the art world until being a part of this exhibition,” Alexis Benedetti, a junior Psychology major at NU, said. “Creating a collection of art from people who lived in my area revealed how much lesser-known artists can leave a big impact on the community around them.”
The Diverse Western New York exhibition at CAM is a representation of the region’s artistic heritage, with an added touch that will resonate deeply with local Buffalo Bills fans. This showcase skillfully combines works that reflect the diverse cultures, races, and generations of Western New York, capturing the essence of the area’s eclectic art scene.
A standout feature of this exhibition is the inclusion of Cheryl Green’s (Onondaga Wolf Clan) creation: a denim jacket adorned with a Buffalo Bills logo, meticulously crafted from glass beads. This piece stands as a testament to the fusion of traditional artistry and contemporary local fandom. It’s a tribute that is sure to draw the admiration of Bills supporters and art enthusiasts alike, symbolizing the unity of community pride and cultural heritage.
The also exhibition features a range of artworks, offering visitors new insights into the creative talents within the community. Each
the piece, now revealed to the public, adds depth and variety to the collection, highlighting the artistic narratives of Western New York.
The array of artists, including the likes of Malcolm Bonney, Charlie Clough, William Cooper, and Rosemary Rickard Hill, contributes a mosaic of styles and perspectives. Their works, varying from vivid paintings to detailed drawings, collectively showcase the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the region’s art scene.
Diverse Western New York is a result of the collaborative efforts of student curators Benedetti, Danica Markins, Joshua Lacourse, Lauren Palaoro, Noraleigh Moffett, Tucker Sylvester, Violet Printup and Yejin Oh under the guidance of Professor Ellen M. Owens.
“Helping create this exhibition with my class was a fun experience. I really enjoyed seeing the different artwork styles and pieces from the different cultures of the Western New York region,” Printup, a Media Studies major, said.
For more information about the exhibition and other upcoming events, visit the CAM website or contact the museum directly.