In an exploration of unconventional creativity, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (Go Art!) is thrilled to announce the second annual call for submissions for the upcoming exhibition titled “This Art is Garbage.” This unique showcase is dedicated to reimagining the role of garbage and waste, offering artists an unparalleled platform to transform discarded items into captivating works of art.
Artists of all skill levels—from high school students to emerging artists and seasoned professionals take this opportunity to redirect the fate of what would normally be forsaken to landfills into inspiring and thought-provoking pieces.
The submission window for the exhibition will be open from April 9 to April 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The artist reception will take place on April 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Guidelines for Submissions:
Integration of Garbage: Submitted works must feature garbage either as a material component of the artwork or as its subject. We welcome innovations in texture and pattern creation using waste or thoughtfully engaging with garbage as a motif. (e.g. creative photography of discarded objects)
Restrictions: “Upcycled” items, such as painted furniture, are not accepted.
Size Limitation: Artworks must not exceed dimensions of 24 x 30 inches and should be wired and prepared for hanging. Works not ready for display will regretfully be declined.
Submission: Each artist is permitted to submit up to two pieces for consideration. There is no entry fee.
Entry registration: For more information and to submit your work, please visit https://forms.gle/QSzPYNLg2xe3h2fC6.
Let us come together to redefine the narrative around garbage and celebrate the transformative power of art. Join us in this inspiring journey of reclamation and artistic innovation. Submit your work today and be a part of a movement that finds beauty in the disposed, making the invisible, unmissable.
For More Information contact Jackie Swaby, 585-343-9313.
If you have not heard of Henry Grace, that's OK; until a year ago, neither had Eric Zwieg.
Henry Grace, he said, is "a reinvention of yourself, right?"
So who is Henry Grace?
"He's someone who hasn't played music in like, almost 25 years, you know, on a regular basis, someone who hasn't written songs or played with other people (in a long time)."
That sounds a lot like Zwieg.
"The last time I legitimately played music was in Atlanta, with a couple of bands down there. Zwieg said. "We put records out. We played the scenes that were happening, played a lot of bars, did some great opening act type stuff."
Then Zwieg, originally from Jamestown, came back to Western New York. That was in 2003.
"Since then, I haven't done anything," Zwieg said. "I hardly picked up a guitar. In fact, I basically gave away all my gear over the years."
A little over a year ago, he showed up at the first Iburi Photography open mic and read from his thesis, and then he formed the musical duo Paris and Holly with Emily Crawford. They performed together at Iburi and GO Art! together for about six months.
During that time, Henry Grace started to emerge. Now, Grace is ready to release his first full-length album, "The Complete Disaster," at a release party at 8 p.m. on Saturday at GO Art!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.
Music has been part of Zwieg since childhood.
"I was always around music when I was a kid," Zwieg said. "I was fortunate enough to grow up on the grounds of Chautauqua Institute. When I was a kid, in my early adolescence and teen years, I saw amazing artists there, including the symphony and ballet companies and opera, a lot of the big touring acts of the late 60s and 70s. It was a big influence on me and kind of just hurtled me into music."
He started out on trumpet, joined choir and before graduating from high school, he was involved in musical theater.
At 16, he became a drummer (self-taught) in a band. They played Southern Rock in the bards of Jamestown.
"That was a lot of fun," Zwieg said. "It taught me how to deal with bar owners and drunks and everything that goes along with what used to be the only place you could play."
He paused his pursuit of music when he became "domesticated." He became a father when he was 21 and went back to community college and majored in musical theater. During that time, he put his own band together for the first time, Common Man.
"I was writing songs right from the start, playing guitar and singing, and we had a great four-piece band," Zwieg said. "We stuck around for about five, six years, did some recordings, did a lot of regional touring, opening up for some smaller acts. It's a really small scene in Jamestown, but kind of the epicenter because of the fact that the 10,000 Maniacs had made it 10 years before, and so there were a lot of musicians around who were trying to put bands together."
His next band was called The Schmells but the gigs weren't happening, so he started doing solo acoustic work in college bars and coffee houses in Buffalo, Erie, Fredonia, Geneseo, and other college towns.
"It was a funky scene, and it was always better in the small college markets," he said.
In 2016, he came to Batavia and started formal writing programs, earning a bachelor's degree as well as an MFA.
He wrote fiction, plays, and poems and put together theatrical productions, poetry readings, and lectures.
Then the siren song of the musical muse started calling again.
"Music has definitely taken the upper hand because I find it easier to just play by myself and go out into a gig or set things up with other people, rather than putting together a full cast, Zwieg said.
When you put a production together, it is, well, a production. You need rehearsal space and a place to perform as well as the casting and directing."
"It's incredibly time-consuming and I don't want to be a producer," Zwieg said.
He said he would rather be an artist, and music was always central to his life.
All the formal education sparked an interest at working at the craft of songwriting.
"I just didn't have any purpose, really, and I wasn't connecting with people," Zwieg said. "And it's an easy way to connect with people, and even if you're just playing open mics and things like that there becomes a community. And I was trying to create a community at the same time. So yeah, I was definitely trying to motivate myself. Once you put things out in front of you that you know you want to accomplish, or things that you're expected to do ... you become committed to it."
He hosted a series of Henry Grace and Company coffee-house-like shows at GO Art! over the past several months, featuring not just Grace, but also other solo acoustic performers.
"The overall purpose is just to get singer-songwriters to come out of the closet," Zwieg said.
"We've created a bit of an audience there, and that's really the major thing I'd like to parlay that into -- I was hoping for a grant this year, but it didn't come through -- working towards the first Batavia Folk Festival to include all the local folks and local teachers."
So what does Henry Grace write and sing about?
The self, Zwieg said. Not necessarily the personal self but songs that are personal and about selves.
"There's a lot of storytelling in there," Zwieg said. "I like to tell stories. I have been fortunate enough to travel around the country and in Europe and really meet a lot of people. I love to sit and talk and bullshit. Once in a while, you extract something good."
Those conversations made it into journals, and those journals led to a stream-of-consciousness approach to songwriting, he said.
"I would most compare it to somebody like REM, who was a big influence on me when I first started writing songs. A lot of their music is a stream of consciousness, or it's just it's poetic. Things in Michael Stipe just strung together, and that's always stuck with me."
So, in Henry Grace, Zwieg has rediscovered his roots.
"Music has always been my go-to thing," Zwieg said. "I've played it throughout my life and a lot of different kinds of different approaches, but I'm back to the singer-songwriter type of thing now and just really simplifying it."
File Photo of Gregory Hallock of GO ART! Photo by Joanne Beck
Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council staff continues to get a good return for its efforts at extracting as much state funding as possible for local arts projects, Executive Director Gregory Hallock says.
And for nothing short of a fairly simple reason.
"Last year, we were the second highest in the state, only behind Manhattan. So that was pretty awesome that we were that high up there in the amount of funding we're giving out. Our argument that seems to be working is that, unlike these other big regions, if we don't have this funding, arts will not happen,” Hallock said during this week’s Genesee County Human Services meeting. “These other places, they have multiple arts organizations that exist with multiple different forms of funding, whereas we, if we don't have this funding, it's not there. We need this funding to make arts happen. So that is working, that has worked for us, and we will continue to use that.”
Hallock gave a summary of his 2024 annual report before the committee considered his request for county funding.
Known as GO ART!, the nonprofit doled out $336,000 in the form of Reach, Ripple and Spark grants to individuals and groups for various art projects and activities, including:
Batavia Concert Band during the summer at Centennial Park
Batavia Players during its 2024 season
Bergen Park Festival and Genesee Symphony Orchestra
Gillam-Grant Community Center’s A Spectrum of Art
Haxton Memorial Library’s Talented Thursdays
Opera on the Oatka by Heather Kathleen Davis with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Le Roy and Holland Land Office Museum’s guest speaker and concert series
Oakfield Betterment Committee’s Labor Daze
Corfu Farmers Market 2024 Music Series
Elba Betterment Committee’s EBC Presents
Brian Kemp with BID’s 2024 TableTop Art Show
Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Artful Observation
Chris Hamel with Office For the Aging’s Youth Music Program
Eric Zwieg’s The Family Model
Linda Fix with Batavia City School District Foundation’s It Takes a Village and David Burke’s Extension to Harvester Center Hallway murals
“So we gave out a big chunk. It did go down this year, but we are still pretty high up there. I don’t want to use the word anger, but close to it with other arts councils and other organizations that are giving out funding because they don't like that we're getting that much money, but it's a grant, and we wrote the best grant. So we are getting the money to get out, and we will continue to do that,” he said. “Also, we have a $3.1 million project that we are working on for here in this county, with the building that we are in, we are expanding below and out with a cultural garden and an elevator that will be going through the whole building. We have $1.6 million towards that project currently. So we have $1.5 to go for that. We are in a little bit of a rush. We have until June 30, 2026 to not only raise the rest, but to spend the money as well. So we are searching for funds, trying to raise funds, coming up with ideas, left and right, to work on that.”
GO ART! received a grant through AmeriCorps VISTA to hire a fundraising development employee who will be working with staff specifically for this project, he said, and the agency’s gold barn project in Orleans County.
“So we are excited to have them. We are slightly nervous because it is completely federally funded, so we don't know at any point if we won't have that position, but currently, we do have that position,” he said. “I would say those are our major things. Our programming will continue to grow as we get more stuff. We are looking into this year expanding our creative arts program so that it is now beyond our actual footprint in Batavia.”
Staff is working with Alexander school district to be able to provide an arts camp there, with the possibility of reaching out to Pembroke next, and alleviate potential “hefty” transportation costs by bringing students in to Batavia, he said.
“So our solution is to run one camp, but at different locations. So we'll be doing that during the summer, and we'll be having six weeks of programming during the summer, but it'll be located at all different places,” Hallock said. “This past summer, in review, it was all held in Batavia. So this summer, we'll be spreading it out throughout all of them.”
Building on the foundation laid out in the last annual report, GO ART! has expanded programming and services to "further engage and inspire our diverse community," Hallock said.
"In collaboration with our valued partners and supporters, GO ART! has continued to secure vital funding, enabling us to sustain our operations, maintain our historic landmarked building, and deliver exceptional arts programming amidst challenging economic conditions," he said. "This year, I am particularly proud to share that GO ART! brought opera and ballet to the region, introducing our community to these celebrated art forms and expanding our cultural landscape in new and inspiring ways."
New endeavors include the Erie Canal Arts Festival, a cultural plan for the GLOW region, and the two capital campaigns previously mentioned: the installation of an elevator and the expansion of programming space into the foundation of the Batavia site at 201 E. Main St., as well as the development of a new space at the Orleans County Fairgrounds in collaboration with Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension.
GO ART! has and is in the midst of installing an elevator within its three story historical building and making renovations that include roofing, water management, masonry, carpentry, doors and windows, finishes, mechanical, plumbing and electrical.
The hopes are to complete the projects by June 2025, Hallock said. The building and property that includes a music garden, art garden and horticultural garden is owned and operated by GO ART!, and staff has been in discussions with the county to purchase a larger garden/outdoor space that is directly behind the East Main Street building, to be used for programming, he said.
GO ART! has applied for grants to expand to add a foundation to include a pottery studio, darkroom, woodshop, art gallery, and two large art studios.
In the past year, the site has expanded two murals with the assistance of Batavia High School students and teachers, and community artists who painted murals in the kitchen and back corridor. The Mason Gallery was expanded to take over the entire second-floor hallway.
The handicapped bathroom on the first floor was turned into a permanent gallery space known as the Bethany Antique and Arts Gallery, and a colored glass mosaic was added to the third-floor bathroom by artist Christy Valsente.
Explore Art for youth includes a Kids’ Club, creative arts camps, teen animation classes, Do Re Mi: Music & Movement, preschool pop-up parties; and more geared for adults, there are murder mystery nights, open mic nights, jam labs, crochet club, comedy nights, karaoke nights, pillow-sewing class, haunted history tours and investigations, Ukrainian egg-decorating class; and Tarot Reading 101.
GLOW Creatives, a New York artist employment program, was a group of artists taking on a two-year residency that began in June 2022. Artists worked on independent projects and group collaborations to audiences in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, Livingston and Monroe counties.
The budget breakdown for revenue was:
Events and earned income - $70,782
Foundation support - $214,680
Individual and corporate funding - $27,326
Public support - $622,350
Organization expenses were:
1.9%, or $17,278, for fundraising
28.3%, $254,482, for programs and events
32.4%, $291,247, for administration
$336,000, or 37.4%, was awarded as grants
After Hallock’s annual report presentation, County Manager Matt Landers recommended the agency’s funding request for $7,500, which matches the amount given since 2022. Committee legislators agreed, and a final vote will be taken by the full Legislature on March 12.
Three new art shows opened at GO ART! in Batavia on Thursday evening, with Lorie Longhany drawing the spotlight with a collection of work she calls, "happy paintings."
She paints small works in her living room to tap into themes of solitude, contentment, and nostalgia.
Also in the opening were works by Bryan Wright (who was unable to attend the opening), drawing inspiration from his enjoyment of oceans. The coastal-themed exhibition featured ocean creatures sculpted with basic metal fabrication.
On the third floor is a showcase called African Heritage through Arts and Crafts. The exhibition has a special focus on Jamaican arts and crafts alongside select pieces from Africa. This multi-artist show highlights African and Jamaican artists' rich cultural heritage and artistic vibrancy. It also contributes to the celebration of Black History Month at GO ART!
The Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is thrilled to announce the opening of three new art exhibitions on Thursday, February 20. The community is warmly invited to join us at the opening reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to experience the diverse artistic expressions of Lorie Longhany and Bryan Wright and an engaging multi-artist show featuring artists of African heritage in honor of Black History Month.
Dive into the creativity of two remarkable local artists: multimedia artist Bryan Wright and painter Lorie Longhany.
Bryan Wright, drawing inspiration from his deep connection with the ocean and waters, presents another coastal-themed exhibition. His works, crafted with skills honed in graphic design and basic metal fabricating, encapsulate the mystery and intrigue of coastal elements found through his explorations.
Lorie Longhany, a self-taught artist with a versatile palette of pen, acrylic, and watercolor, showcases a collection of artworks that resonates with the themes of solitude, contentment, and nostalgia. Lori's pieces range from medium and small paintings to bookmarks, but her very small pieces are affectionately referred to as her "happy paintings."
A Showcase of African Heritage through Arts and Crafts is the third exhibition that adds a vibrant layer to the evening, with a special focus on Jamaican arts and crafts alongside select pieces from Africa. This multi-artist show not only highlights the rich cultural heritage and artistic vibrancy of African and Jamaican artists but also contributes to the celebration of Black History Month at GO ART!
This is an Invitation to Experience Artistic Diversity at GO ART! We are pleased to bring these three distinct exhibitions under one roof, offering the public an opportunity to embark on this unique artistic engagement. From the reflective and personal works of Lorie Longhany and the coastal-themed creations by Bryan Wright to the rich tapestry of African heritage presented in the multi-artist exhibition, there's an abundance of beauty and creativity to consume.
We look forward to welcoming art lovers and the community to the opening reception of these three exhibitions.
Come share an evening of art, inspiration, and cultural exploration with us at GO ART!
This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable! For more information, please contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313.
The Batavia Society of Artist is hosting artist Karen Crittenden on Tuesday February 11 from 7 - 9 p.m. at Go-Art/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia. Karen will be demonstrating and doing a hands on presentation. Non-members welcome for a $5 fee or become a member! New members are always welcome from all mediums and artistic levels, $30 Single, $50 Couple, and $10 for Students & Veterans. There will be light refreshments and the Tavern 2.o.1. is open for cash sales.
Come join us for an evening of fun! Karen will be using gelly plates, paints and other items (some will be surprising) to create collage fodder. We will demonstrate the use of gelly plates and acrylic paints and offer suggestions as to the use of collage fodder. Then you will have the opportunity to try this out for yourself. You will be able to take away what you create. Please be mindful of your clothing and shoes as acrylic paints, once dry does not come out.
Karen's Bio:
I have been doing art for my whole life. Different forms at different times, but art. I like to work in several art forms, sometimes even mixing those forms to push myself and my understanding of what makes art, work for me. Photograpy provides a single snapshot of a single moment in time, capturing something that is emotional both to me and to the viewer. It isn't always the same kind of emotion, but the experience of some emotion is what I strive for. Ink, paint and paper provide another means for expression that gives an experience to the viewer and the maker of art. If the viewer does not like what they see, it is still an experience. The best happens when both viewer and maker have the same experience. That is my ultimate goal.
Join GO ART! on Saturday, February 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the accomplishments of GO ART! member artists and staff members who participated in the annual members show and honor the awardees, including the President’s and Peoples’ Choice Awards winners.
The public is invited to share this evening with us and view the visual art of local, regional, and GO ART! staff member artists. In addition to viewing the exhibition, visitors will be treated to light refreshments and live music, meet the awardees, and access the GO ART! bar.
This annual art show features work in all media created by GO ART! member artists and staff members. GO ART’s! Board of Directors, members, and staff look forward to this special exhibit each year that has become a signature event that wraps up all our fantastic events for the last year and kicks off the New Year’s exhibition series.
Don’t miss this opportunity to consume this multi-media exhibit that will evoke pleasurable emotions of joy, happiness, and peaceful contemplation. It is also an opportunity to purchase a unique gift for your special Valentine!
The GO ART! member artists and staff exhibition opened on December 12 and will close with the awards reception on February 8. So, come celebrate with us, and we look forward to welcoming you. This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable!
Do you know an artist or organization from Genesee or Orleans County that deserves recognition for their accomplishments in 2024? GO ART! is inviting community members to submit nominations for the Annual Genean Awards.
“Why “Genean” you ask?” says Executive Director, Gregory Hallock, “Well, simply put, we decided that we needed to have our own unique awards (like the Oscars or Tony awards) for GENesee and OrlEANs counties, to recognize a few of the amazing people and organizations we have within our counties.”
The categories for nomination are as follows:
Organization of the Year - This award honors a not-for-profit or for-profit organization for its outstanding achievements in 2024
Individual Artist of the Year - This award honors an individual artist in any discipline for their achievements in 2024 or career-long body of work
Arts and Culture Supporter of the Year - This award honors an individual or an organization outside of the arts and cultural sector for their work directly aiding in the arts and/or cultural sector during 2024.
To submit a nomination visit www.goart.org/genean. All nominations are due by March 1.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GOART!) is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated 2025 Winter Art Series. Offering a diverse array of classes and workshops designed for multi-aged individuals.
The upcoming series is designed to engage art enthusiasts across the region. Participants can expect a diverse lineup that caters to a wide range of interests. From young children to adults, everyone is invited to explore their creative potential or enhance their artistic skills through our engaging programs.
Be on the lookout for the GOART! Winter Event Calendar highlighting the schedule of classes and other events, which will be widely distributed or can also be picked up at GOART!
Individuals and families who are eager to learn what classes will be offered are encouraged to visit our website for information on registration and other details. The 2025 winter art series offerings allow participants to choose from a plethora of classes that align with their interests and schedules. Included in this series are Dotting Mandela and wearable-art classes.
In addition to adult classes, we are pleased to offer specialized sessions within our Explore Art program for youth up through twelfth grade. Our diverse curriculum ensures that there is something for everyone, including cooking classes for kids.
The upcoming series will also feature a six-week Hand Building Pottery class for youth in seventh through ninth grade, providing a comprehensive journey through various pottery techniques.
Additionally, our wearable fiber-art series will teach youths of all sexes how to crochet items such as hats, leg warmers, and fingerless gloves, emphasizing both creativity and practical skills. For those interested in jewelry making, we will offer classes tailored for young adults and adults, further expanding the scope of our wearable art series.
Furthermore, our annual youth art camp, scheduled for February 17-21, promises an enriching and immersive experience for young artists. Families are encouraged to secure their spots promptly, as space is limited. Scholarships are also available for those in need of financial assistance.
GOART! is also delighted to offer ongoing opportunities for artistic exploration, such as our drumming sessions with the Drum Circle, held monthly on the fourth Wednesday.
The public is invited to explore our website for detailed information on all our classes and events, with more exciting offerings to come throughout the year.
As spaces are limited, we recommend early registration to ensure participation in your preferred classes. GOART! extends deep gratitude to our teachers who will be sharing their expertise and passion with our community and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you to our creative space, where you can nurture your artistic talents and engage with other individuals who share similar interests.
For further details and to register for classes, please visit our website - www.https://goart.org. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our workshops and for you to experience with others the creativity that unfolds in our classes.
Join GO ART! on Thursday, December 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. to celebrate the opening of another exhibit featuring GO ART! member artists and staff members.
The public is invited to share this evening with us and view the visual art of local, regional, and GO ART! staff member artists. In addition to viewing the exhibition, visitors are invited to vote for their favorite piece to help us determine the People’s Choice Award and enjoy light refreshments and music.
This art show is an annual exhibit that features work in all media created by GO ART! member artists. GO ART’s! Board of Directors, members, and staff look forward to this special exhibit each year that has become an annual signature event that wraps up all our fantastic events for the year!
Don’t miss this opportunity to consume a unique gift wrapped in diverse media that will evoke pleasurable emotions of joy, happiness, and peaceful contemplation. This is indeed a cause to celebrate with us, so we look forward to welcoming you. This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable!
GO ART! member artists exhibition runs from December 12 to February 1, and will be open for the public to view during gallery hours or by appointment.
James DiLullo, Aurora Callery, and Roselyn Kasmire. Photo by Howard Owens.
The long road to completing a five-minute film about a scary kitty that was shot in Batavia this past year reached the milestone of a public screening at GO ART! on Saturday night after the Christmas in the City parade.
The film isn't online yet. Producer, director and screenwriter James DiLullo said the short will be entered into a number of film festivals and those festivals typically want exclusive access, so it will be a little while before you can view the film on YouTube (embedded below).
DiLullo hosted a discussion with two of the lead actors who were able to attend the screening, Aurora Callery, and Roselyn Kasmire.
An audience member asked Callery what she drew on to inspire her character and the child actor said, "I just thought about my little sister, who loves cats. I just pretended I was my little sister."
At one point during filming, the cat playing "Kitty," Bunny "Kitbull" Buzzkill, scratched her, making a scare that looks like a smiley face, which she likes.
"She's very fat so she thinks my fingers are little hot dogs," she said.
Callery asked Kasmire, who plays a teacher, what she thought about while doing her scenes. Kasmire, who actually is a teacher in Buffalo, said in this case she didn't have to dig deep. As animated as she is as a teacher in the movie, that is how she is with her students in real life.
An eclectic evening of music is planned for the main gallery to GO ART!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia, at 7 p.m. on Friday when local musicians Howard Owens and Henry Grace perform solo sets that touch on pop, folk, country and Americana.
On stage first, Henry Grace, a Batavia-based singer-songwriter whose style evokes a variety of influences cultivated from years of living a life simple as a moment, partly an urban legend, a dreamer of dreams, and a storyteller to the working class whose live performances connect vividly with audiences.
Grace has an extensive musical background has taken him through New York to Atlanta to Nashville and back again, playing coffeehouses, church basements, bars, colleges, libraries, backyards, and regional festival stages.
Recently, Henry Grace has become a part of the burgeoning Batavia music scene as co-founder of the folk duo Parris and Holly and clamor pop band Rose Mary Christian’s Babies gigging locally at Jackson Square, GO ART!, Iburi Photography, Pub Coffee House, and VFW Post 1602.
Grace plays a mixture of original songs and covers by Vic Chesnutt, Jules Shear, and Neil Young, among others.
Howard Owens
Owens is a product of the backcountry of San Diego County and the nascent punk scene in Southern California (birthplace of cowpunk). He never lost his Western roots, and his musical interests reflect that broad range of influences. On Friday, expect to hear some Dave Alvin, Odetta, Iris Dement, Johnny Cash, Graham Parsons, Jack White, Amos Milburn, Tanya Tucker, and Bob Dylan.
Over the past two years, he's played at Juneteenth, GO ART!, Iburi Photography, and VFW Post 1602.
GO ART! is pleased to welcome the public to view the fine art collection of Ryan Gaebler at an exhibition reception on Thursday, November 21.
Ryan grew up in Pavilion and was influenced by his parent's love for antiquing. They would often explore auctions, yard sales, and thrift stores together in search of hidden treasures.
One particular childhood memory that stands out for Ryan is when he was eight years old. He spent a night in a camper and woke up the next morning to set up his stand at a flea market, showcasing and selling baseball and football cards - a hobby he would continue for many years.
In 2006, Ryan relocated to Batavia, and in 2011, another nostalgic memory of visiting flea markets with his parents in his youth was triggered by a visit to a small flea market at the Fairgrounds in Batavia, where he met Dave Thompson; an encounter that would significantly help to guide his path into the world of collecting, and played a pivotal role in his career as a fine arts collector.
Dave Thompson sold different kinds of art, antiques, and glassware.
Ryan said “I bought a couple of nice paintings from him for $15-$20 apiece. I saw the beauty in them! I started going back week after week talking to Dave. He told me about some of the local artists to look for and I started going to Bontrager’s Auction and other types of sales looking for these artists. One of the first pieces I found was a RW Ware drawing at Bontrager’s.”
We could assume that Ryan's journey into the world of art collecting reached a significant milestone in 2013 when he participated in his first antique show and sold three RW Ware paintings to Jim Owen.
We invite you to see the impressive collection featuring artists such as Roy Mason, and RW Ware, meet Ryan during the reception, and hear more about the journey that got him to the place of a successful fine art collector this Thursday, November 21, starting at 5 p.m.(Ryan’s talk at 6 p.m).
You will learn more about some of the individuals and opportunities that have influenced his development in this field and how dealing with art, antiques, and collectibles has brought him joy and changed his life.
This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable! We look forward to welcoming you to this event!
GO ART! is thrilled to announce an exciting new project set to transform the Genesee-Orleans region: GO BARN! Located at the Orleans County Fairgrounds on Route 31, between Medina and Albion, GO BARN! will be a dynamic cultural community hub designed to bring arts, agricultural education, and entrepreneurial opportunities together under one roof.
GO BARN! will serve as a vibrant space for a wide range of arts and educational programs, with workshops spanning fine arts, culinary arts, horticulture, fiber arts, and more. Developed in partnership with Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, the facility will offer specialized programs in sustainable agriculture and fiber arts, alongside dedicated areas for performances, gallery exhibitions, community gardens, and artisan workshops. GO BARN! will be a cornerstone for local artisans, performers, and small business owners, creating opportunities for connection, learning, and economic growth in the region.
Community Backing Needed to Secure Funding
GO ART! has identified significant funding sources for GO BARN!’s construction; however, major funders want to see strong community support before committing to full project funding. To demonstrate the region’s commitment, GO ART! is launching a community campaign to raise $150,000 by December 31. This initial funding will advance key programming and design stages, laying the groundwork for grant applications that will unlock the larger financial resources needed to bring GO BARN! to life.
“GO BARN! is about more than just a building—it’s about creating a shared space where our community can thrive,” says Gregory Hallock, Executive Director of GO ART!. “Every donation, no matter the size, is a show of support for our vision of a place where people of all ages can connect, create, and grow together.”
How You Can Help
Community members across Genesee and Orleans Counties are invited to join this transformative effort by:
Making a Donation: Every gift, large or small, will help reach the $150,000 goal and demonstrate community backing to our funders. Donations can be made at www.goart.org.
Spreading the Word: Share the news about GO BARN! with friends, family, and neighbors.
Volunteering and Getting Involved: GO ART! is also seeking representatives from Orleans County to join its board and committees.
GO ART! is pleased to welcome the public to view the work of Linda Miranda Fix, Kelly Herold, and Melita Guild at the reception of three exhibitions on Thursday, October 17.
Three uniquely different bodies of work will offer multiple visual and mental stimulation for individuals as they move from one gallery to the next.
Linda, who “loves working with different mediums and substrates,” said the collection "The Heart of the Universe" represented in the show was inspired by the Solar Eclipse in April 2024. Hence, “she began to think about celebrating the earth and all its glory, the strength and resilience of 'Mother Earth,' and the similar fervor and power of women.”
Linda Fix wants the public to know that her “paintings represent The Sisterhood of Women as we celebrate birth, accomplishments, and love; as we grieve with the tragedy of loss; as we continue to rise after many times that we fall.” “I believe that Women are the 'Heart of the Universe”.
This exhibition is filled with vibrant colors, styles, and multiple-media representations, including Acrylics, Mixed Media, Watercolor, and Alcohol Ink. She will give a brief artist’s talk at 6 p.m.
Kelly Herold is a contemporary artist who has, for the last three years, focused on the “transformative potential of everyday objects”. She says her “3D designs are crafted from recycled and repurposed materials, including frames, bottles, cans, smashed glass, glasses, ceramics, and various trinkets sourced from thrift stores, yard sales, or donated by friends. Each piece undergoes a meticulous process of cutting, shaping, and assembling, often utilizing a modified wet saw for precision”.
She also shares her process, which includes the final step in her creative process, “which involves coloring and pouring resin to encapsulate the assembled materials, resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind artwork. Through this method, I aim to give new life to discarded items, highlighting the beauty and potential found in the overlooked and forgotten”.
We invite you to see why Kelly says, “My art is a testament to sustainability, creativity, and the endless possibilities inherent in repurposing material.”
Melita Guild ceramic masks are exceptional and definitely have a place on the walls during the month of October. Melita will not be present at the reception but the time spent viewing her work will be meaningful.
GO ART! invites the public to meet Linda & Kelly during the reception and hear both artists’ talk on Thursday, October 17, starting at 5 p.m.
This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable! We look forward to welcoming you to this event!
The Batavia Society of Artists (BSA) will host artist Shauna Blake for a hands-on silk painting demonstration on Tuesday, October 8, from 7 - 9 p.m. at GO ART!. Blake will explain her creative process and provide attendees with the chance to try silk painting themselves.
In addition, BSA member Adrian Morris will hold a solo art show at the Richmond Memorial Library, with an opening reception on Thursday, September 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. His exhibition will be available for viewing during regular library hours through the end of October.
Shauna Blake, Artist Bio
Shauna Blake started painting in her early teens and has devoted her entire working life to her artwork. She has a love for nature and the outdoors and uses the inspiration and energy it provides to create her art.
She paints in a wide variety of mediums including, silk painting, watercolors, acrylics and pastels.
In 1994 she graduated from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a major in Graphic Design and Illustration. She worked in the Graphic Design field for 7 years before joining her husband, Brendan in his glass art business in 2001. Here she expanded her art by studying and creating lampwork glass beads.
Then in 2009 she discovered silk painting. She found that painting on silk was the perfect fit for her creative and expressive artistic style. She sold her hand painted silk scarves, silk ribbons and art prints worldwide until earlier this year.
In 2022 she started her next business Nail Fox where she designs and sells 100% Nail Polish Wraps.
Shauna currently sells her nail polish wrap designs worldwide on her website. www.Nail-Fox.com
Shauna will demonstrate her unique silk painting techniques. This a hands on demo, where everybody will have a chance to try out this exciting medium. Supplies will be provided.
The Batavia Society of Artists is hosting artist Mary Jo Whitman on Tuesday, September 10 at Go-Art/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia At 7 p.m.
Mary Jo plans to give an overview of the grant process for artists, including where to find grant opportunities, tips on writing project narratives, formulating budgets, and providing quality support materials.
This info will be bennificial to many artist who never thought they could get grant money for projects! This event is open to non-member for a $5 fee. Light refreshments will be served. The 2.o.1. Tavern will be open for cash purchases.
Folk-pop duo Parris and Holly is thrilled to announce a four-night residency at Go Art!, located at 201 East Main Street in Batavia. The duo will host four Thursday night performances, starting on September 19 and continuing on September 26, October 17, and October 24. The performances will be free to the public.
Each evening will kick off with an hour-long set by a local artist from 7 - 8 p.m., followed by Parris and Holly from 8 - 9 p.m.
Featured Opening Acts:
September 19: Howard B. Owens, publisher of The Batavian LLC
September 26: Alex Feig, area musician, songwriter, and former WBTA news producer
October 17: Billy Lambert, Le Roy resident and singer-songwriter, known for his work in the bands Woody Dodge, Lambertbilly, and the acoustic duo Damn the Flood
October 24: Chris Humel, artist and frontman of the punk band Cowboy Vampires
Join us for these special evenings of music and community. No tickets are required, and all ages are welcome.
The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for artists of all disciplines living and/or working in Genesee and Orleans Counties. In partnership with the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) and the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), GO ART! is accepting applications for the NYSCA/NYFA Artist as Entrepreneur Program. The program is free to participants.
This intensive 3.5-day professional development program is designed to empower artists across all disciplines—including visual, literary, performing arts, and more—with the essential tools needed to achieve sustainability and success in their creative endeavors. Whether you’re an emerging artist looking to build a strong foundation or an established professional seeking new strategies and networks, this program offers a dynamic platform to enhance your creative practice.
Program Highlights:
Comprehensive Content: Participants will explore key topics such as strategic planning, marketing, fundraising, financial literacy, and art law. The curriculum includes materials from NYFA’s renowned textbook, The Profitable Artist.
Work Sample Reviews: Receive personalized feedback from professionals in your field, offering valuable insights into the jury selection process and your artistic presentation.
Peer Network: Join a community of like-minded peers across various disciplines, fostering connections that extend beyond the program.
Access to Experts: Engage with NYFA’s expert staff and local arts industry leaders, including funders, curators, publishers, and artistic directors.
Artist Action Plan: Develop a personalized blueprint for your practice or specific arts project, with opportunities to discuss and refine your plan within the peer group.
Engagement with the Creative Community: The program structure includes presentations, panels, interactive workshops, and breakout sessions tailored to the needs of participants.
Eligibility and Application:
Who Can Apply: Artists of all disciplines and career stages, including students, who are living and/or working in Genesee or Orleans Counties
Application Deadline: Monday, September 23, 11:59 p.m. Applications must be submitted via Submittable.
Program Dates:
Meet and Greet and Introductions: Thursday, November 7 from 5 - 8 p.m.
Intensive Sessions: Friday - Saturday, November 8 - 10 from 10a.m. - 4 p.m. daily
Don’t miss this unique chance to grow your artistic career with guidance from leading professionals in the field. Currently accepting applications. For more information and to apply visit https://www.nyfa.org/professional-development/entrepreneurial-intensives/ Please email questions to learning@nyfa.org with the subject line “Artist as Entrepreneur, GO ART!.”
This program is made possible through New York State Council on the Arts, State & Local Partnerships with the support of the Governor's Office and the New York State Legislature.
Genesee and Orleans County nonprofit organizations and artists seeking funding for arts related programming, events, and public art are encouraged to apply to the 2025 Statewide Community Regrant Program (SCR), administered by Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) through a partnership with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). GO ART! will be accepting applications September 15 - November 1.
GO ART! will be holding free informational SCR workshops in August and September at various locations throughout Genesee and Orleans counties.
New applicants and previous applicants who have not attended an SCR workshop in 2023 or 2024 are required to attend, prior to submitting an application for the 2025 cycle.
All applicants are encouraged to attend. Registration required.
SCR Workshop Schedule:
Monday, August 5, from 6 - 7 p.m. at GO ART!, 201 E Main St, Batavia
Tuesday, August 6, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Hoag Library, 134 S Main St, Albion
Monday, August 12, from 6 - 7 p.m. on Zoom
Monday, August 26, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Hollwedel Memorial Library, 5 Woodrow Dr, Pavilion
Tuesday, August 27, from 6 - 7 p.m. on Zoom
Monday, September 9, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, 620 West Ave Medina
Tuesday, September 10, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Haxton Memorial Library, 3 N Pearl St Oakfield
Monday, September 16, from 6 - 7 p.m. at Woodward Memorial Library, 7 Wolcott Street, Leroy
Tuesday, September 17, from 6 - 7 p.m. on Zoom
For more information on the 2025 SCR program or to register for an upcoming workshop visit www.goart.org/grants
