Niagara County Traveling Art Exhibit on Display at Niagara County Courthouse
was unveiled Saturday at a kickoff event for the county’s celebration of 250 years of American independence. The Niagara 250th Committee commissioned the paintings as a way to highlight some of the great history right here in Niagara County. Each painting represents a piece of history from the 15 localities in the county, along with the Tuscarora Nation and Old Fort Niagara. The exhibit will be displayed at different locations throughout Niagara County, ending at Old Fort Niagara which will be the site of the county’s 250 celebration on August 3. A list of locations and dates for the exhibit can be found here.
“Our 250 Committee has been meeting for nearly three years to coordinate events and find ways to make this a special occasion in Niagara County,” said Legislator Irene Myers, a committee member. “This art exhibit was viewed as a way to highlight some great aspects of Niagara County in the history of our country.
Myers said each painting has its own unique story. Those who visit the exhibit can scan a QR code which gives a short explanation of each painting. This written narrative, accompanied by a picture of each painting, can also be viewed here.
The painting of the localities and Old Fort Niagara were done by local artist Sal Anello. The Tuscarora painting was completed by Waylon Wilson, with collaborator Murisa Printup.
Accompanying the exhibit is a Treasure Box created by the students in the welding department at SUNY Niagara as an “above ground” time capsule. Over the course of the exhibit, localities will be invited to add an item to the box which will then be locked at the end of the county’s 250 celebration, to be opened again in 50 years when the United States turns 300.