The Brothers of Mercy Invites Artists to Participate in Erie Canal Bicentennial Exhibit

As part of a year-long commemoration of the Erie Canal Bicentennial, The Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus is issuing a call-for-work and inviting Western New York artists to submit original artwork for a juried exhibit at The Art Gallery at Montabaur Heights independent living community.

 The gallery exhibits work of regional artists that enrich understanding of our culture, history, beauty and creativity and invites viewers to see the world through artists’ eyes to enjoy, empathize, understand and wonder. Located at 4530 Ransom Road, The gallery is open daily to the public from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

The gallery seeks new, original works featuring themes that embrace the bicentennial of the completion of the Erie Canal on October 26, 1825. The selected art will be displayed in the third and final exhibit commemorating the Erie Canal Bicentennial from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31. The David & Joan Rogers Family Foundation is funding the series of exhibits that celebrates this historic milestone through various art forms.

The competition is open to all artists 18 and older, and each participant can submit one or two original pieces. From April 13 – June 29, artists can submit their work through a form at BrothersofMercy.org/ArtGallery with an application fee of $30. There is a prospectus with all of the details available with the form.

“The Art Gallery Committee encourages artists working with all types of media to join us in commemorating the momentous occasion of the Erie Canal Bicentennial,” said Sally Treanor, the organizer of the exhibit and a member of The Brothers of Mercy’s Art Committee. “This is a unique opportunity for artists to create their vision or representation of the Erie Canal and what its rich history signifies for Western New York. I want to thank The David and Joan Rogers Family Foundation for supporting this year-long series of special exhibits that showcase the wonderful variety of the talented artists in our region.”

The exhibit will be judged by Edmund Cardoni, the Executive Director of the Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center in Buffalo. Notifications for the selected art will be emailed to participants between July 15-17, followed by an artist reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. The first-place winner will receive $500, second place – $250, third place – $100 and three honorable mentions – $50 each.

The Art Gallery currently features an illustration exhibit “History of the Erie Canal” by Dana Hatchett through April 25. A second exhibit called “Photographing the Erie Canal” featuring Lockport artists Dennis Stierer and Lee Williams will run from May 1 – August 31.

Visitors to the gallery can also enjoy lunch by reserving in advance to 716-407-5102. For more information, email info@brothersofmercy.org or visit BrothersofMercy.org/ArtGallery.

About The Art Gallery at Montabaur Heights:
The Art Gallery at Montabaur Heights independent living apartments on The Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus provides residents and Western New Yorkers an opportunity to enhance their lives through the arts by creating value, purpose and engagement. The gallery is a centerpiece of the “Wellness Through Art” program that recognizes the contributions of artists while including residents in enrichment activities that help them thrive at any age. Through exhibits and presentations, the gallery embraces an atmosphere of beauty, peace and creativity while fostering an appreciation for the arts and instilling fellowship and community involvement. Artwork sales from the exhibits support the Campus Foundation’s mission of sustaining compassionate care for patients and residents.