Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 6th, 4:38pm By Elena Cala Buscarino

Our Generation - The Visual Voice is the name of the student exhibit opening tonight at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and continuing until June 15.

This exhibit of student works, curated by fellow students, is a prime example of the talent and energy of area youth on both sides of this progressive show. Through the gentle guidance of Anna Jablonski Program Coordinator of the Education Department, the 15 curators, from several area high schools, picked 26 works of art from student artists and planned every aspect of the show.

"They set up their own judgement system and picked from over 200 submissions," Jablonski said. "They wrote the wall cards and text, framed and matted the work, designed the invitations and learned everything it means to be an art handler. One of the future curators, Cliff Wadsworth, designed T-shirts, and printed them at his house."

In addition, the curators planned an evening of entertainment around their opening that employs other mediums, such as film and music. "They're showing Pixar shorts and The Breakfast Club. And they've brought in a band called Feast--two kids from Williamsville South. They're also eager to conduct tours, but some of the kids will have to leave early for their proms. In fact, some will be here dressed for their prom," Jablonski laughed.

Jablonski's pride in her charges abilities is palpable, and she's amazed by what they've done. "I facilitated in the strictest sense," she said, not wanting to get her own thumbprint on the show. "They took this very seriously, and we're all a little sad it's going to be over."

Climbing the stairs to Cliffton Hall for a sneak preview of the show, Jablonski said, "Wait until you see the artwork. There're a few kids I might want to pull aside tonight to talk to about buying a piece or two."

It is an impressive show, and a testament to what the Knox is willing to do in conjunction with Director Louis Grachos' ever-stated goal of making art a community endeavor and connecting with the audience.

Cliff Wadsworth wrote the text for the show, and it is a powerful statement that will face visitors as they enter the hall for the exhibit. Read it, and know what this exhibit means to the students who participated in it's planning,

"It was amazing," Wadsworth said about his stint with the Future Curators. "I had the opportunity to explore all aspects--the entire world--of art. It's different than anything I've seen through doing art as a hobby. It made me realize what the gallery world is and so much that goes into it." Add to that the fact that he's made some friends for life.

As for the bearing the Future Curators Program had on Wadsworth, he said, "If I didn't have an idea of what I wanted to do...I'm looking at political science and history, maybe politics, but I would tell anyone to try to get into this program."

Those interested can view the show free of charge tonight. On subsequent nights the usual gallery fees will be in place.

Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Tours 5 - 7PM
Pixar Shorts 6PM
The Breakfast Club 7PM
Music by Feast 7:30
Free Tonight