An exhibit on a local artist “deeply intertwined with the heart and history of Niagara Falls” is the focus of a new exhibit opening today.
“Colors Sing to Me: The Life and Art of Polly King” will be on display through Sept. 1 at the Castellani Art Museum, in collaboration with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area.
The showcase of King’s work, offers a chance to experience her legacy and influence firsthand.
From the Roaring Twenties (1925) to the early ‘90s (1993), King watched Niagara Falls undergo a remarkable metamorphosis. She saw it evolve from an industrial powerhouse to the famous “Honeymoon Capital,” and finally, to a city grappling with the challenges of a bygone industrial era, often referred to as the “Rust Belt.” King’s art captured these pivotal moments, from the monumental construction of the Niagara Power Project to the bustling heart of Main Street, all while never losing sight of the awe-inspiring natural wonder — Niagara Falls itself.
“I am happy to have the opportunity to share some of our family’s favorite paintings with the broader public,” Don King, son of Polly King, said. “We hope this sparks interest and that more Niagarans and visitors enjoy these works. I would like to thank the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and the Castellani Art Museum for their efforts to share this work. Enjoy the Pollyverse!”
According to the Castellani, the exhibit features a vast array of King’s work and reveals her mastery across multiple mediums and styles. From impressionistic landscapes and vivid still lifes to abstract expressions, it showcases how King’s art evolved with and was inspired by the changing face of Niagara Falls. In this exhibition, viewers can see the influences of the modern masters and how they inspired the creation of Polly King’s signature style, and her continual evolution and change throughout her career. King painted the world around her, from scenes of her life in Niagara Falls, to the people she knew and saw, to still lifes of her home, and to vistas from the exotic locales she visited.
“Polly King was a prolific and brilliant artist whose work reflected a life-long dedication to capturing the people and places that surrounded her in travel and at home in Niagara Falls. Through her art and words, she captured the spirit of human creativity and potential, serving as inspiration in her words “Art to Enjoy” to every life she touched. By capturing nearly seven decades of people and the landscape of Niagara Falls, she built a sense of place riveted by water and industry unlike any other artist in Western New York. To experience her work is a celebration of the very meaning of being human,” said Sara Capen, executive director of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area.
In addition to the exhibition opening, our Western New York community is invited to engage with the vibrant world of King through a series of educational and inspiring programs at CAM. Explore King’s Artistic Legacy from 6 to 7 p.m. on June 13 to discover her influences, adaptation of modern art styles, and her role as a pioneering woman in the art world. Budding artists can join the summer Art Express program, Polly’s Art School: Drawing 101 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 27, where children will learn drawing basics inspired by King’s techniques. Furthermore, at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, Polly’s Colorful Plein Air Painting Workshop will take place on Aug. 24. This workshop welcomes participants of all skill levels to capture nature’s essence using King’s inspiring methods.
An opening reception for the exhibit will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on June 6 at the Castellani.