Interview with Jana Eisenberg regarding Paint the Town event to be held at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society on Friday, November 11 at 6pm:
How many years has Paint the Town been around for?
This is the 13th annual Paint the Town.
Why was it started?
It was started as a way to connect working artists, the community, the region and our institution; as a unique way to bring together various constituents in a setting and around an event that engaged all of the various interests, in a fun and elegant way.
What makes this event so different from other art functions?
At first, it was a “wet paint” event, meaning that the artists went out an painted a work specifically representing a geographical location or thing in Buffalo or Erie County, that day, and then the piece was auctioned off that evening to benefit the museum.
The event has morphed over the years, and now artists may offer a piece that they have made in the past–the works are not required to specifically represent a place in buffalo or to be in a specific medium, though it is nice if they have some sort of connection.
The event is different mostly because of the institution. It is the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society’s mission and goal to connect all the people of the region through stories, through art, through its history…and that includes the present and the future.
By engaging with both working artists, and offering glimpses of history through additionally donated works, we continue that mission and fulfill that goal, all while also engaging with the community to sustain the important work being done here. Like most art functions, it is a fundraiser for the institution.
How many artists display their work? How many paintings do artists bring?
It varies each year; this year we are anticipating a wide-ranging silent auction featuring artisanal crafts, like glass, jewelry and fiber works, as well as vintage-themed baskets.
In the live auction, which will be entertaining conducted by Kelly and Ben Schultz, of the Schultz auction house, we will feature about 25 photographs, watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings and collage by a range of artists from the community, like Chuck LaChiusa, John Montague, Russell Ram, Christina Laing, Carol Case Siracuse, Lin Xia Jiang and Sara Zak.
Are there any other mediums other than paintings?
Yes, photography, glass, prints, etc. etc.
Are there different artists each year?
Yes, we aim for a variety. There are some artists who have participated every year, and some (like Historical Society board members and passionate photographers Mark Severson and Peter Ahrens) who are participating for the first time.
What does the money generated go towards?
Many volunteers help with the organizing and coordinating of the event; their help is priceless. Artists who donate to the live auction are offered the option of retaining a portion of the price realized from the sale of the work they donate. All funds raised at Paint the Town go directly to support the Historical Society’s ongoing programs, exhibits, events; its ability to continue to connect with the community on many collaborative and engaging projects.
Tickets are $50 members/$70 non-members. For more information visit the BECHS website. For tickets, email members@bechs.org or call 716-873-9644 x318.