By Paul Rybarczyk:
Area artists are invited to submit their work to become members of the Buffalo Society of Artists, one of the oldest arts organizations in America. The BSA is dedicated to the creative production of visual arts, fostering pride in the achievements of local artists and to the enrichment of Western New York viewing audiences.
In 1891 the painter Paul Gauguin left France, cutting ties with his family, leaving the Western ideals he felt restricted by behind, and moved to the island of Tahiti. Gauguin is the painter of “Yellow Christ,” one of his most important paintings, which is in the collection of the Albright-Knox.
In 1891, what now is called Carnegie Hall opened, with Tchaikovsky as guest conductor; electricity was not in widespread use; Benjamin Harrison was president of the US and Charles Frederick Bishop was in his first term as mayor of Buffalo. This was the same year that the Buffalo Society of Artists was formed.
Richard Christian, President of the BSA said “It is through not only our rich and illustrious history, which has provided a benchmark of excellence for the visual arts in Western New York for well over a century, but in the yearly addition of a diverse and vibrant selection of talent unique to this region, that the Buffalo Society of Artists has remained a vital and constantly evolving barometer of the high standards to be expected and enjoyed locally in the visual arts.”
The BSA welcomes all artists to submit for the jurying process. If successful, the artists will become part of the rich history of art in Buffalo and contribute to its future heritage. Rich Tomasello, BSA Membership Chairman, said artists must “submit three original works of art that have been completed within the last three years. And a CD of at least six additional works completed within the last five years. Video artists submit their work on DVD. I would also highly encourage emerging artists working in Buffalo to apply. This year we are providing feedback to all artists that submit upon request.
It’s the young and talented emerging artists of Buffalo that will carry the Buffalo Society of Artists into the future.” Also welcomed are established artists who have never become members but already have success in their field.
The BSA welcomes artists of all ages and working in any kind of media to submit their work for jurying. Complete requirements for the jurying process can be found on the BSA website.
Any membership questions can be directed to Rich Tomasello at richardtomasello@gmail.com. Submissions must be postmarked no later than October 12th and jurying will take place on Saturday, October 19th at Knox Presbyterian Church in Kenmore.
www.buffalosocietyof artists.com
www.buffalosocietyofartists.com/docs/BSA_Membership_Application.pdf