Artists' opening reception: Friday, March 28, 6:00 - 9:00pm
This year's juried exhibition is graciously sponsored by two of the leading art material suppliers, BLICK art materials, headquartered in Galesburg, IL with over 60 stores nationwide and long-time local retailer Hyatts All Things Creative at 1941 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY. Hyatt's has generously donated a $150 gift card for the "Best of Show" this year. Good luck to all the entrants!
The Fine Arts League of Buffalo, Inc.
Founded in 1953, the Fine Arts League of Buffalo, Inc. is a long-standing artists group in the Buffalo-Niagara region. This intergenerational organization is dedicated to the appreciation and promotion of realistic art, defined as the precise and accurate representation of the visual world. From bold brushstrokes to finely detailed works, realism encompasses a wide range of styles, as long as the subject remains recognizable. The League's members create in various forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media.
Over its 72-year history, the Fine Arts League has provided a platform for artists who excel in the realism tradition, with many of its members achieving national and international recognition. Membership is highly selective, overseen by a five-person committee that ensures new artists align with the League’s artistic criteria. Currently, the organization comprises 59 members, founding members such as George Palmer, Dolores Trabucco, and Coni Minneci laid the foundation for the League’s rich artistic tradition through demonstrations and active mentorship.
The League presents semi-annual exhibitions in the spring and fall at various galleries and museums throughout Western New York. These exhibitions highlight the breadth and depth of realistic art in the region, offering the public an opportunity to engage with works that celebrate life’s vivid details and visual beauty.
Beyond its artistic mission, the Fine Arts League is committed to giving back to the community. Over the years, the organization has supported numerous charities, including Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Art4Heart (promoting CPR and AED awareness), Buffalo Homeless Shelter, and the TRY Program, which helps young homeless women by providing art supplies. Since 2012, the League has been a sanctioned fundraiser for Roswell Park, further deepening its ties to the community.
The Fine Arts League of Buffalo continues to uphold its mission of fostering appreciation for realistic art while strengthening the bond between art and community. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
The selected artists are: Paula Borkowski, Danielle Cadorette-Acehan, Ellen Canfield, Nancy Cerny, Ellie Corcoran, Karen Foegen, George Grace, Sadhna Gupta, Janet L. Ide, Nancy Clarke Mariani, Kathleen McDonnell, Susan Miller, Rosemary Ratajczyk, Teri Jo Ritz, Melinda Schneider, Judith Schroff, Carol Case Siracuse, Jane Stoddard, Andrea Tasevski, Sally Treanor, Peggy Walker, Rebecca Wilson and Nancy Zielinski.
*See award winners below each name and award statements by Juror, Grace Meibohm at the end of the list.
· Dimensions are in inches, height precedes width.
· All works are titled & signed by the artists.
· View the full exhibition and additional works at meibohmfinearts.com
· facebook: Fine Arts League of Buffalo, Instagram: @fineartsleaguebuffalo
Writer Kristina Laun visited the gallery to see the Fine Arts League exhibit and wrote a wonderful article about the exhibition and you can read it on her blog, Lady Bison, Thoughts on Art and Literature or on facebook and X which share the same handle @ladybisonblog.
Catalog of Exhibition:
1. Carol C. Siracuse
Three Sisters View
14 x 10.5, watercolor
425.00 (sold)
2. Nancy Zielinski
Towers of Tears
15 x 30, oil on canvas
1,600.00
Best of Show - Sponsored by Hyatt's All Things Creative
3. Karen Foegen
Sunflower
8 x 10, oil on board
395.00 (sold)
4. Karen Foegen
Blue
12 x 9, oil on canvas
595.00
5. Andrea Tasevski
Ryan
16 x 14, soft pastel
1,200.00
Special Award - Sponsored by Blick art materials
6. Sally Treanor
Hudson
9.5 x 9.5, watercolor
1,100.00
7. Sally Treanor
Chasing The Storm
7.5 x 10.5, watercolor
1,100.00
Honorable Mention - Sponsored by Fine Arts League
8. Melinda Schneider
Paris 24
18 x 14, pastel
1,000.00
9. Karen Foegen
Woodlawn Beach in the Snow
11 x 14, oil on canvas
495.00
10. Judith Schroff
Rosie
14 x 11, acrylic
175.00
11. Judith Schroff
Man on a Bench
20 x 16, acrylic
200.00
Honorable Mention - Sponsored by Fine Arts League
12. Rebecca Wilson
Winter Break
12 x 9, watercolor
600.00
13. Nancy C. Mariani
Naija
12 x 9, soft pastel
575.00
14. Jane Stoddard
Illumination II
24 x 17, watercolor
2,200.00
Second Place - Sponsored by Blick art materials
15. Sadhna Gupta
Homeward Bound
12 x 24, oil on canvas
700.00 (sold)
16. Susan Miller
Untrodden Land
5 x 8, watermedia
395.00
17. Susan Miller
Enameled Meadow
5 x 10, watermedia on Yupo
395.00 (sold)
Honorable Mention - Sponsored by Fine Arts League
18. Kathleen McDonnell
16 x 20, pastel on board
950.00
19. Kathleen McDonnell
Finding Peace #3
16 x 20, pastel on board
950.00
First Place - Sponsored by Fine Arts League
20. Ellen Canfield
The Buffalo Lighthouse
14 x 11, oil on board
200.00
21. Janet L. Ide
Lisianthus In The Iris
11 x 14, watercolor
750.00
22. Nancy Cerny
Chautauqua Interlude
12 x 9, oil on canvas
450.00 (sold)
23. Ellie Corcoran
Shining Through
10 x 14, watercolor
245.00
24. Ellie Corcoran
The Crabby Apples
10 x 14, watercolor
265.00
25. Nancy Cerny
Emery Park Path
20 x 24, oil on canvas
2,200.00
26. Nancy Cerny
Beardstongue & Poppies
16 x 20, oil on canvas
1,600.00
27. Rosemary Ratajczyk
Golden Stillness
12 x 16, acrylic
800.00
28. Peggy Walker
Trees in the Meadow
11 x 14, pastel
650.00
29. George Grace
Despair
16 x 20, acrylic
950.00
30. Peggy Walker
Reflections at the Ponds
11 x 14, pastel
650.00
31. Paula Borkowski
Aerial Bouquet
5 x 8.5, watercolor
300.00
32. Danielle Acehan
Mr. Albert Wolsky
36 x 24, oil on canvas
3,000.00
Special Award - Sponsored by Blick art materials
33. Carol C. Siracuse
Storm-riddled Horizon
7 x 10.5, watercolor
350.00
34. Paula Borkowski
Midnight Blossom
9 x 13, mixed media
800.00
35. Teri Jo Ritz
Call of the Moon
20 x 16, oil on board
650.00 (sold)
Third Place - Sponsored by Fine Arts League
36. Teri Jo Ritz
Bird Call
12 x 36, oil on canvas
625.00 (sold)
Juror of Awards: Grace Meibohm
"It is always a pleasure to witness the camaraderie, support, and shared passion within a community of artists. The Fine Arts League of Buffalo exemplifies this spirit, bringing together both emerging and seasoned artists in a celebration of creativity. The diverse range of mediums, subjects, and artistic voices made the selection process a delight, culminating in a fresh and compelling exhibition."
Best of Show: Nancy Zielinski – Tower of Tears – oil on canvas
"The Best of Show artwork stood out as a thoughtful and beautifully executed oil painting, seamlessly blending stylistic elements with areas of soft darkness. This unique interplay invites the viewer to pause, explore, and uncover deeper meaning within the piece."
First Place: Kathleen McDonald – Finding Peace #3 - pastel
“A master of the pastel medium, this artist effortlessly transports us to special places in nature. The shaded summer pond is a beautiful balance of softness and control, drawing the viewer into its serene atmosphere."
Second Place: Jane Stoddard – Illumination II - watercolor
"This artist’s gift lies in the precision and control of watercolor, making a challenging medium appear effortless. The detail and depth, combined with a unique subject matter and perspective, are signature elements of their talent."
Third Place: Teri Jo Ritz – Call of the Moon – oil on board
"The goal of the Fine Arts League is to promote realism in art, and this work in the 'Trompe-l'œil' style beautifully embodies that mission. With a fresh approach, it captures unique imagery that skillfully blurs the line between art and reality."
Special Award: Andrea Tasevski – Ryan – soft pastel
"A special award for figurative artwork, this beautifully executed soft pastel piece showcases the artist’s deep understanding of both the medium and the model. Their skill and sensitivity bring the subject to life with remarkable nuance."
Special Award: Danielle Acehan – Mr. Albert Wolsky – oil on canvas
"This painting offers the viewer a captured moment of a place and a dedication to an individual’s work. The artist’s use of color and lighting creates a compelling atmosphere, drawing us into the scene with a sense of presence and purpose."
Honorable Mention: Sally Treanor – Chasing the Storm - watercolor
"An Award of Merit for the masterful use of watercolor—striking a perfect balance between realism and the fluid nature of the medium. This piece reflects skills both learned and earned, showcasing the talent of a dedicated artist."
Honorable Mention: Judith Schroff – Man on a Bench – acrylic on canvas
"Fresh and full of energy, this piece comes to life through bold impasto, vibrant colors, and a dynamic composition. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth, making the work truly captivating."
Honorable Mention: Susan Miller – Enameled Meadow – water medium on Yuppo
"While realism is the focus of this league, it comes in many forms, shaped by how artists view and create images, especially those inspired by nature. This landscape captures both a realistic atmosphere, yet, as nature often is, it also carries an element of abstraction."
