Norbert E. Kammer (American, 1924-2017) Western New York painter primarily known for his watercolors of landscapes, townscapes, and rural scenes. While still a student at Lafayette High School in Buffalo, he won a $1600 scholarship to study at Syracuse University, as well as Third Prizes for his poster design in the “National Rose Show” and dress design contest (1942).
Norbert graduated from high school in 1943, but was unable to use his scholarship to attend college at Syracuse University and entered service during WWII in August of that year. He served from 1943-1945, and was twice wounded, receiving the prestigious Purple Heart for his service. Norbert was also featured in war films shown at Shea’s in Buffalo, taken after the battle of Aachen which showed Kammer standing in a doorway eating chow from his mess kit.
After the war, he studied at the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY. He was a member of and exhibited with the Buffalo Society of Artists, the Fine Arts League of Buffalo and the Hamburg Art Society, Hamburg, NY. He helped run the Waligur-Doering Gallery in Hamburg, NY (active 1990-2001) then later in Buffalo, with local oil painter Mary Ann Waligur-Doering whom he later married. He not only exhibited with the gallery he also taught watercolor classes there. He had two children Elissa Kammer and Gregory (Denise) Kammer. Norbert passed away on January 28, 2017 a the age of ninety-three.
Chronology:
1924- January 1, born, Buffalo, NY.
1942- While still a student, Norbert won a $25 Third prize of a Government Bond for his poster illustration for the “National Rose Show”, from the block printing division of the Western New York Exhibit for The Scholastic Magazine through Lafayette High School. His poster was used throughout the Western New York area and garnered him national publicity, Buffalo, NY. Norbert also won third in the watercolor division for Dress Pattern Contest through the school, and the illustrations were exhibited at the J.N. Adam Company in Buffalo, with the best work being sent to Pittsburgh for national judging.
1943- Graduated from Lafayette High School, and had won a $1600 scholarship to study at Syracuse University but could not use it due to his entry into WWII in August of that year, Buffalo, NY.
1943-45- Entered service in August of 1943 and served during WWII and was twice wounded, receiving the prestigious Purple Heart for his service. Norbert was also featured in war films shown at Shea’s in Buffalo, taken after the battle of Aachen which showed Kammer standing in a doorway eating chow from his mess kit.
1968- May 6-25, exhibited, juried group show, “Spring Members Show of the Fine Arts League”, for the watercolor paintings “Neulangbach”, “Zoar” & “The Old Farm”, Boulevard Mall, Amherst, NY. Nov. 29-Dec. 8, exhibited, juried group show (Prize, Silver Medal), “14th Annual Exhibition of the Fine Arts League”, prize for the painting “Gathering Storm”, Main Place Mall, Buffalo, NY.
1969- Nov. 12-23, exhibited, juried group show (Prize), “15th Annual Exhibition of the Fine Arts League”, prize for the watercolor painting “Carl’s Bridge”, also shown was the watercolor “Here Come Da Geese”, Main Place Mall, Buffalo, NY.
1981- Oct. 9-31, exhibited, group show (Prize), “27th Annual Exhibition of the Fine Arts League”, Wilcox mansion, Buffalo, NY.
1988- September 12, exhibited, group show (Prize: Award of Excellence $45-), Hamburg Art Festival, Hamburg Art Society, Hamburg, NY.
1990- Taught watercolor classes at the Waligur-Doering Gallery, at their initial 264 Union St. location, Hamburg, NY.
1993- February, exhibited, group show, Waligur-Doering Gallery, 213 Main St., Hamburg, NY.
2017- January 28, died, West Falls, NY.
Memberships/Affiliations: Buffalo Society of Artists, Buffalo, NY; Fine Arts League, Buffalo, NY; Hamburg Art Society, Hamburg, NY.
Awards/Prizes: Silver Medal for the painting “Gathering Storm”, at the “14th Annual Exhibition of the Fine Arts League”, Main Place Mall, Buffalo, NY (1968); Prize for the watercolor painting “Carl’s Bridge” at the “15th Annual Exhibition of the Fine Arts League”, Main Place Mall, Buffalo, NY (1969); Prize, “27th Annual Exhibition of the Fine Arts League”, Wilcox mansion, Buffalo, NY (1981); Prize $45-, Award of Excellence, Hamburg Art Society, Hamburg, NY (1988); While still a student in High School, Norbert won a $25 Third prize of a Government Bond for his poster illustration for the “National Rose Show”, from the block printing division of the Western New York Exhibit for The Scholastic Magazine through Lafayette High School. His poster was used throughout the Western New York area and garnered him national publicity, Buffalo, NY. Norbert also won third in the watercolor division for Dress Pattern Contest through the school, and the illustrations were exhibited at the J.N. Adam Company in Buffalo, with the best work being sent to Pittsburgh for national judging (1942).
Distinguished WWII Awards: Was twice wounded and received the Purple Heart for his service in WWII (1943-45).
(Written & Compiled by Mark Strong of Meibohm Fine Arts, Inc., East Aurora, NY, meibohmfinearts.com, sources: Too long to list here and are furnished upon request.)
