FINDING THE MAN IN BLACK

Discarded toys show up in strange places. I’ve found many down by the railroad tracks on Ohio Street. Were these toys part of a Happy Meal collection thrown out by a young ‘traveler’? Close to the discarded toy site was the massive Concrete Central grain elevator. Inside the elevator was a paint ball team happy to pose as urban warriors.  The toy, the team and the graffiti all came together in this “neighborhood in a box.”   You can see it and others in my space at the ECHO Art Fair this September 6 – 7, at the Central Library, downtown at One Lafayette Place in Buffalo. 

LITTLE BLACK BOOTS

Coming up August 9th is the Buffalo Society of Artists Open Members Show. This year’s exhibit is at the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site on Delaware Avenue. In honor of ‘Teddy,’ I’m showing ‘Little Black Boots’.  This assemblage combines a discarded baby photo, acrylic paint, and my photos of abandoned houses. It’s framed with recycled wood.

This photo reminds me of my grandfather who believed that all children should wear little black boots. Perhaps because the terrain was so rough 150 years ago? Perhaps they produced strong ankles? Who knows? Anyway, Theodore Roosevelt wore them too! Here’s a picture of TR as a boy plus another vintage picture of children of that era.

The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site is at 641 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY. There will be an Opening Reception on Saturday, August 9, 2014, from 3 until 5 PM. The exhibit will be on view until Monday, September 8.  The TR Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. On Saturday and Sunday, it will be open from Noon until 5 PM.