A new sculpture and art garden has been constructed in the University District. The public garden was once a underutilized property, located in the back lot of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Buffalo. It then became a staging area for the University Heights Arts Association’s (UHAA) Art Crawl. After community activists got their hands on it, the ball began to roll, and a greater need for the property was realized.
Now that the sculpture garden is complete, the plan is to host a series of poetry, art and music events throughout the summer months. These types of grassroots initiatives go a long toward creating a sense of place within a community.
Also underway is a series of community partnerships, including one that recently saw students from Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority Inc. of Buffalo State College who helped to get the garden ready for events. The students will also lend a hand staging events. University at Buffalo’s Sigma Pi Fraternity and Leadership House also helped to complete Phase 1 of the sculpture garden.
Garden features include:
- Ten platforms for sculpture
- Ten spaces for outdoor two-dimensional art
- A curved deck was specially designed to accommodate speakers, small performances or additional sculptures
- Additional features including custom-designed circular wood and iron benches are underway
The garden’s official unveiling will be on Saturday, July 11, 2015, followed by two days of events. After that, the public will be invited to participate in a wide range of events.
Upcoming events at the St. Andrew Sculpture Garden (additional activities will be added):
July 11th (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) – sculpture garden opens for the Samuel P. Capen Garden Walk
July 11th (4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.) – Grand Opening party plus artists reception for the inaugural “Wood, Metal and Stone” exhibition – featuring the artwork of six accomplished artists: William Herod, Mollie Atkinson/Ken Kash, Richard Rockford/Robert Then, and Lawrence Kinney.
July 27th – Booth Art Project – “Sculpture Sketches & Plein Air Perceptions”
August 15th (10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.) -Second annual “UHAA! Festival 2015” integrated arts and entertainment festival
PHOTO DOCUMENTATION OF THE SCULPTURE GARDEN’S PROGRESS:
Phases I and II of the St. Andrew Sculpture Garden
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123482230@N05/sets/72157651861699057
Phases III and IV of the St. Andrew Sculpture Garden
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123482230@N05/sets/72157653662560838
Children’s Art Programs Produced at St. Andrews (1990-2000)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123482230@N05/sets/72157653662560838
Photo Documentation of Other Programs of the University Heights Arts Association
https://www.flickr.com/photos/123482230@N05/sets/
UHAA Website: http://www.uhartsgroup.com
Facebook (used for Event Pages):
https://www.facebook.com/UniversityHeightsArtsAssn