The Post

As the Castellani Art Museum (CAM) of Niagara University begins a busy new year filled with dynamic exhibitions, community programs for all ages, public tours, and thought-provoking discussions and lectures, among other initiatives, CAM Director Ellen Owens reflected on the Museum’s success in 2022. “We are thrilled to share our Spring 2023 programs. We wish to bring people together to inspire dialogue, creativity, and learning, with art as the catalyst,” Owens said. “I’ve been grateful for the support our communities have shown as we rebuilt our programs last year. The CAM staff have been working hard to offer relevant topics that connect with our guests’ interests. We look forward to seeing both familiar faces and newcomers at the CAM – all are welcome!”

The CAM’s programs are free for NU students, faculty, and staff. Hours of operation are Wednesday from 1–7 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. General admission is free.

CHILD & FAMILY-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS 

Folklife Workshops – Saturdays | 2–3:30 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/folklifeworkshop 

Folklife Workshops are small, hands-on programs led by local folk artists and tradition bearers that engage participants in the diverse cultural heritage of our region. 

Jan. 21.: Japanese Calligraphy. Learn about the diverse techniques used in Japanese Calligraphy (shodō) and create your own artwork. 

Mar. 18: Wirework. Learn the traditional art of wire jewelry making by weaving and crocheting metal wires and creating your own stunning piece. 

Art Express – Saturdays | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/art-express 

Children 6 to 12 participate in museum exploration and hands-on art making. 

Jan: 28: Icy Winter. Discover the artistic song of snow, ice, and the winter season as we explore how they create beautiful poetic landscapes.

Feb. 25: Colorful Story Quilts. Explore the powerful traditions of African American storytelling through the colorful quilt artwork of Faith Ringgold while making art inspired by this imaginative Black artist. 

Mar. 25.: Materials March. Explore and connect with different materials and textures that make art, art. Whether it’s oil or acrylic, canvas or burlap, buttons or feathers, students will engage in different artistic mediums and materials in a sensory-filled art session. 

Apr. 22: Flower Power Hour, led by Zach Daddis. Participants will celebrate Earth Day with an empowering exploration of nature, landscapes, and wildlife, and by creating earth-inspired artwork.

ADULT ARTS & CULTURE PROGRAMS 

CAM Public Tours – Saturdays | 1–2 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/campublictours 

Drop by on first Saturdays for a 45-minute pay-what-you-wish public tour of a current exhibition, followed by a 15-minute curator Q&A session. RSVP is encouraged.

Feb. 4: Ecce Sublimia: The Art of Christianity.  Explore how art from the CAM collection, Western New York worship sites, and student research is used to teach religion at NU. 

Mar. 4:  Survive, Remember, Thrive. This exhibition accompanies the film series of the identical title and features local artworks, crafts, family objects, scanned historic photographs, and ephemera. 

Apr. 1: Imaginary Worlds: Behind the Scenes with Niagara University Theatre.Explore the hands-on processes, experiences, and management of theatrical art. 

Currents: Arts & Culture Discussion Series – Tuesdays | 6–7:30 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/camcurrents. Currents is a moderated discussion series that aligns with trends in the art world through animated discussions with the presenters. Light refreshments will be served. 

Feb. 7: Museums During Conflict: Saving Cultural Heritage. Learn how museums and their collections have often been the target of looting and why attacks on cultural heritage are so pervasive during conflicts. 

Apr. 25: Preserving Local Landmarks. Learn about the compelling Prophet Isaiah’s Second Coming House, a home decorated from top to bottom with Robinson’s colorful art. 

CAM Meets: Arts & Culture Lecture Series – Wednesday | 11 a.m.–1 p.m. RSVP at bit.ly/cammeets.CAM Meets is an engaging lecture series that provides presentations on art-making and cultural topics for a broad audience. Light refreshments served. 

Mar. 8: Community Perspectives: Preserving Armenian Heritage. Led by Dawn Sakalian, CAM volunteer and assistant director of Survive, Rember, Thrive, a fascinating CAM short documentary series about Armenian heritage in the Niagara region. 

About the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University:  With learning and public access at the heart of its mission, the Castellani Art Museum (CAM) is the premiere resource for the visual arts in Niagara County. The CAM’s permanent collection includes over 5,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art, Niagara Falls art, and regional Folk Arts. The Museum is committed to the preservation of these artworks, along with offering exhibitions and programs that serve the campus, local communities, and tourists.