The dynamic nature of smaller local galleries allows them to constantly evolve in order to keep up with national and neighborhood trends. That sentiment especially rings true with 1045 Elmwood Gallery for the Arts (formerly ZGM Fine Arts Gallery). Photographics 2 owners Don and Diane Zintack have always used the gallery to showcase their own works of art, but as Don recently told me, “The change of nature in the economy… the industrial North East… and business in general in the advertising and print industry has changed so much that it seemed appropriate to show our art work as well as the works of others, just as a change of business plan…or adapting with the times.
It was back in 2009 that I first saw the real potential in 1045 Elmwood, and what a gallery space like that could mean for Elmwood Avenue and the city (lead photo – see article). Today Don sees the gallery as a place that could help to rally and support local causes, while showcasing Buffalo talent at the same time. “Being part of Elmwood, one becomes more socially engaged with the community,” Don told me. “I’ve been involved with many of the Elmwood beautification projects, the Garden Walk, the gallery project Make a Splash for the Aids Community Services, and last years gallery fundraiser for the SPCA – Take a Leap. 1045 Elmwood Gallery for the Arts will always have a social consciousness in many of the projects we undertake.”
When you think about what one socially-minded gallery can do for a community, it’s both refreshing and astounding. Especially when the partnership is long-lasting. “1045 is currently working on and engaging select local organizations for our end of year (2013) Gingerbread Project,” Don said. “Featuring a giant gingerbread man, gingerbread dog house, several social gingerbread events such as a Gingerbread Ball where gingerbread houses and dog houses will be auctioned off as a joint fundraiser. [Tie that in with] an Art Show during the event to bring artwork and products to our Gingerbread concept fundraiser, photo-ops with children and pets in front of the gingerbread man and dog house. We will be building (approximately) a 20′ high gingerbread man at the front wall of our gallery (inside) as a featured element of this project.”
On top of everything else that Don is working on, he is still pushing the envelope with concepts such as the “Blank Canvas Project“, which is kind of a two/three fold concept of the gallery. “Mostly it is a series of art classes (painting, drawing, etc) hosted by the gallery and our exhibiting artists. We’d like to host (almost weekly) artistic ‘learning & participating’ class events for the public. See existing art classes. In-house and visiting artists are all being asked to consider “teaching” their crafts and skills as a logical extension of our gallery services.
“We are also offering “A Gift of Art” where one may book a private party or event for their friends (ladies night out?) as an extension of our art class project. Secondly, “Blank Canvas” to me meant a “no holds barred” concept of what we may host or you may find at our gallery.
“We’ve hosted painters, sculptors, musicians, video projection art/performances, poetry readings, private events, etc. As an extension of this concept, we are engaging artists to do more than “just hang a show.” Although we are early on in this process, we have artists coming in from other states (one will both have a show as well a teach her class entitled “Bound” – a class in book binding/art journaling production), a show in October that will also feature a night Cabaret style performance (professional NYC performer) for two evenings as well as a “Playwright Workshop” by one of the artists (still unannounced). See listings.
“We are also planning to reserve four or more weeks in the spring and fall for Student Shows (student thesis projects) and be fully engaged in finding and promoting the works of young, upcoming, and undiscovered talents emerging from regional universities and colleges. We are currently meeting student artists, outlining calls for work for collaborative shows, and redefining the gallery mission for 2014 and upcoming years.”
“Mixing socially engaging events and art shows…over a period of time…will be the norm at 1045.”
Coming soon to 1045 Elmwood Gallery for the Arts
Presenting artist Kristina Siegel for an installation of textile sculptures and drawings entitled Memento fugit.
“Memento fugit” is an installation of fabric tombstones, drawings and prints.
Opening Reception with artist: Friday, March 1, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Refreshments served.
Exhibit on view March 1 through April 7, 2013.
Gallery Hours: Thursday & Friday 11-6, Saturday 11-4, or by appointment.
Location: 1045 Elmwood Gallery for the Arts, 1045 Elmwood, Buffalo, NY 14222