Author: Laura Sargent

A Rochester native is returning to Western New York on Saturday, October 20, to display her art in Buffalo’s Nina Freudenheim Gallery. Amanda Wojick will sate the art lover’s palette with whimsical wall sculptures made from objects most would consider remnants. Wojick has an inventive mind which she puts to good use by creating fragile yet vibrant abstractions that all but transport the admirer to another realm. Her technique is self professed casual and while her art appears to be self-generating, some have perceived it as metaphorical of the landscape. Perhaps, it is the approaching holiday that has me harboring…

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In so many of our hearts, there lays a special place for the memory of Columbus. As a sailor, he is unbeaten in history—he is the da Vinci, the Edison, the Einstein. He is my hero. And yet my hero does not deserve a national holiday. His grand memory is mine, and many others, but not so for so many, many others’ more. Second Monday in October…today it’s October 8, commemorating October 12, 1492. So is it Un-American to be against Columbus’ Day? Or is it Un-American to be for Columbus’ Day? We don’t ask the United Kingdom to celebrate…

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Over the past several years the Buffalo music scene has paid tribute to John Lennon, Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa and the Stones. But this Saturday night, Nietzsche’s will honor one of the most celebrated singer/songwriters in music history, Sir Paul McCartney. The concert, entitled Maybe I’m Amazed, will benefit the Food Bank of WNY. The purpose for the event is to gather non-perishable food items that the Food Bank can re-distribute to affiliated charitable providers such as soup kitchens, pantries and shelters. It is a great way to help ease the problem of hunger in the community. Guests will be…

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Been on the search for a midweek activity that frees your mind from everyday stresses? Have a child that constantly tells you he is bored? Looking for a relaxing way to spend time with your honey? This fall, Locust Street Art is opening its doors to the public for the 48th year. For a business located in the fruit belt, reliant completely on donations, this is no less than a miracle of sorts. This community asset offers free arts classes in a studio setting, for ages toddler to adult, from October through May. The location of Locust Street Art was…

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In an effort to prepare high school age students for a career in the arts industry, Kenn Dickens has developed the Chrysalis Project. Within the program, local students are mentored and educated about visual arts as it relates to higher education and employment – industry standard design fundamentals. Workshops are also provided for younger children who wish to gain a head start. The Chrysalis Project’s mission statement is “to provide solid real world principles in various fields of art and design to enhance student confidence and classroom curriculum.” The students learn under a sequential format in which one lesson is…

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“A Peculiar Arrangement” by Craig LaRotonda and Kim Maria is now on display at Nichols School until November 1st. The two accomplished artists recently moved back to the East Coast (Buffalo!) from San Francisco, where they had owned and operated Revelation Studios since 1998. Their work has appeared in movies such as Traffic and Big Fat Liar, and publications such as Time Magazine, The Washington Post, The NY Times, Random House and The Wall Street Journal. Both artists focus on the human preoccupation with flesh in a contemporary sense, while still drawing influence from the traditional work of the 15th…

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Artists all claim to have an original style when asked about their work and because they are so close to it, feel that they are correct in their declaration. Out of personal experience, I have to disagree. I would venture to say that I have a hard time distinguishing between many artists because they are in fact so similar in their use of mediums, technique and content. Jason and Amanda have a very different take on their work. While they both use mediums that are widely popular, the manner in which they use them is unique. It is also my…

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Maybe you are returning to school, work is hectic, or a vacation is approaching. Whatever the occasion for your stress, Katharine Jemison, owner of Spoiled Rotten, has the perfect solution – notepads and stationary from Knock Knock, a company that supplies its customers with light hearted humor. Knock Knock products are a function of practicality with a dose of personality. They aspire to arouse wholehearted laughter from their users and create a newfound obsessive-compulsiveness with their attention to details. The gifts conform to customer’s individual idiosyncrasies by informing those around them of their pet peeves, how they expect their spaces…

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Most residents are familiar with the new and different art that has recently appeared at the Albright-Knox, but how exposed are Buffalonians to Burmese, Tanzanian and Yemeni culture? How often does the community have the opportunity to view the Queen City through the eyes of a modern immigrant, much less a child? The Albright-Knox is hosting an important exhibition which will showcase the art of the city’s growing refugee population. What began as a cultural enrichment program on the West Side has turned into a reaching out of the children, into the community, bridging the gap between cultures. These children…

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At the end of September, the leaves begin to change, the sun sets a bit earlier and autumn rolls in with a cool breeze. The temperature is slightly cool, creating the perfect atmosphere for bicycling through some of Buffalo’s most historic landmarks with friends and neighbors. To benefit the Niagara Frontier Council of Hosteling International, a 90 minute ride will take place on Saturday, September 29. The tour will be guided by Buffalo’s own police department to ensure the safety of riders. Each cyclist will be given a glow-in-the-dark wrist band and a map of the route, but must be…

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