UP IN THE BARGE AT THE BURCHFIELD PENNEY

A brilliant idea is becoming reality inside the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Filling the main gallery is a prototype of a barge – the kind of barge that used to haul “lumber, coal and hay” along the Erie Canal.  But the barge being planned at the BP will carry art and artists all the way through the canal system and down to Brooklyn. Curator, Scott Propeack, already has his sights set on the historic ‘Day Peckinpaugh,’ part of the New York State Museum collection.  Finishing the restoration of the Peckinpaugh and outfitting it into floating galleries is bound to be a demanding but not impossible challenge.  The potential for art to travel to new audiences through this historical waterway is too exciting not to succeed.

In the meantime, art is being “loaded in” to the BP prototype through an open curatorial system that lets the public join the process. I am happy to say my assemblage; ‘Scajaquada Baby’ made the cut and found a place on board.  The prototype will be on view until October 19, 2014.

COUNTDOWN TO ECHO

The 4^th annual echo Art Fair happens this weekend at the Central Library in Buffalo. The selected artists and galleries from all over (me included) are working on last minute details. It’s an exciting event for everyone involved: artists, collectors, first time buyers and everyone just interested in the whole scene.   

Here’s a preview of a new piece from my “Toyology” series. It’s based on things seen and found on Jefferson Avenue on Buffalo’s East side. When you come downtown to the fair, please stop by my booth to say hello and see more.