Marion Art Gallery is exhibiting works of 20 WNY artists

By Doug Osborne-Coy

The works of more than 20 artists from throughout Western New York will be on display when the Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery at SUNY Fredonia hosts the “MARK 11/2012” exhibition beginning March 2.

The exhibition features the works of artists who participated in the New York Foundation for the Arts’ MARK program in 2011. Participating artists are from Fredonia, Buffalo, Rochester and other locations in Western New York.

“Each of the 21 artists will be submitting one or two pieces for display and includes a variety of mediums,” Art Gallery Administrator Tina Hastings said. “There is no other theme that ties this exhibition together, so each artist’s work will make a truly individual statement.”

The exhibition will feature paintings, sculptures, photography, video and drawings.

“The opportunity to bring such a variety of artists together in this newly renovated space is exciting,” Hastings said. “I would like to thank the artists for their cooperation in organizing this exhibition.”

The “MARK 11/2012” exhibition opens with a reception in the art gallery from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 2. Both the reception and exhibition are free and open to the public.

MARK is a NYFA program specifically designed to support artists based in New York State outside of the five boroughs of New York City. The program focuses on the professional and business side of the creative practice, giving artists the tools they need to expand their audience and increase professional opportunities.

According to Felicity Hogan of the NYFA, the “MARK” program name is not an acronym.

“It more came out of the concept of ‘making your mark’ through artists having access to a statewide network as well as information, resources and tools to help promote and improve their career prospects,” she said.

It should be noted the gallery will be closed from March 10 to 19 for the campus spring break.