Juried Show Will be Displayed September 8 – December 31

CLARENCE, NY – As part of a year-long commemoration of the Erie Canal Bicentennial, The Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus invites artists to submit new, original artwork for a juried exhibit called “The Creative Eye on the Erie Canal” that will be displayed in The Art Gallery at Montabaur Heights independent living community this fall.

This call-for-work seeks new, original works featuring themes that embrace the bicentennial of the opening of the Erie Canal on October 26, 1825. Artists 18 and older can submit one or two original pieces for a $30 fee. The prospectus is available at BrothersofMercy.org/ArtGallery, where the submission form will be open from April 13 – June 29. The selected art will be displayed from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31. The David & Joan Rogers Family Foundation is sponsoring the series of exhibits that celebrates this historic milestone through various art forms.

Since opening in February 2024, the gallery has exhibited the works of regional artists that enrich understanding of culture, history, beauty and creativity and invite viewers to see the world through artists’ eyes to enjoy, empathize, understand and wonder. Located at 4530 Ransom Road, it is open to the public daily from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

“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.”

This 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 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/