Fredonia Technology Incubator to feature James East’s artwork

Local artist James East will exhibit, “Recent Works: Landscapes,” from Nov. 9 to Dec. 11 at the Fredonia Technology Incubator, located at 214 Central Avenue in Dunkirk. The exhibition can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

An opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. Parking is available in the incubator’s lot, accessible behind the building from Washington Street.

“We are pleased to host exhibitions featuring art from our campus and the community,” said Incubator Director Chuck Cornell. “As a mixed-use business incubator focusing on arts- and technology-based businesses, featuring talented artists at our facility adds great value to the community and our business clients.”

James East is a Professor Emeritus of Clarinet at Fredonia’s School of Music, where he taught for 38 years. He was also Executive Director and Principal Clarinetist with the Western New York Chamber Orchestra, and Principal Clarinetist with the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra in Erie, Pa.

When Mr. East retired from Fredonia, he resumed his interest in painting, which he had abandoned since high school to focus exclusively on his music studies. East has worked with Fredonia Technology Incubator Advisory Board Member and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Painting Alberto Rey. Prior to working with Professor Rey, East enrolled in workshops at the Art Students League and Spring Street Studio in Manhattan.

“I have been working with ‘Jay’ since 2012, and it has been a pleasure having him in my classes,” said Rey. “He is one of the most motivated and hardest working students that I have had. He is adventurous in his explorations and we continue to explore new directions every semester.”

Mr. Cornell acknowledged Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery Director Barbara Räcker for overseeing the exhibition. Those interested in attending the reception can register at www.fredonia.edu/incubator.

The Fredonia Technology Incubator promotes economic growth in Western New York by supporting entrepreneurship and the development of new, innovative companies into successful business ventures. The incubator provides services to startups which, in turn, create jobs in the community. In addition, the incubator develops real-world internships and training opportunities for students, attracts and retains graduates for the area, provides a first-class facility for community activities, and provides support services to community organizations and leaders.

The incubator is part of Fredonia’s Division of Engagement and Economic Development (EED), established in 2013 to facilitate and support university-community collaborations that enhance the intellectual, cultural, artistic and economic vibrancy of the region. Such collaborations include active community engagement and partnerships with local and regional organizations, governments, businesses and universities. In addition to the incubator, the division oversees the university’s StartUp New York economic development program. The division is led by Vice President Kevin Kearns.