Art Exhibit Sheds Light on Cookie-Cutter Towns

BUFFALO, NY – ArtsCanisius presents I Have…, a soft sculpture and mixed media exhibit by Rebekah Champ, in the college’s Peter A. and Mary Lou Vogt Gallery in the Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library fromWednesday, March 28 to Friday, May 18. An artist’s reception will be held on Friday, April 20 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the library. 

Champ’s work considers the increased obsession with creative outlets in architectural elements, home décor, landscape and craft in the rapid growth of indistinguishable neighborhoods and towns in the United States. I Have… is both a reflection of the text of Richard Florida’s Rise of the Creative Class and Champ’s short time as a resident of Buffalo, NY. Florida argues that that the survival of cities will be based solely on the need of its citizens to create new objects and ideas, yet we are continuously bombarded with the same string of brand name options such as Walmart, Starbucks, TGI Fridays, Home Depot. I Have…is dedicated to Western New York and the architectural elements that have impacted Champ the most. In the show, she also reflects a glimmer of hope in knowing that perhaps the key to survival is the knowledge that “I have everything I need.”

Champ, a native of Georgia, holds an MFA in studio art from the University of Minnesota. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in fine arts (drawing and printmaking) from the University of Washington, St. Louis. 

The exhibit is open during regular library hours. For library hours, visitcanisius.edu/library or call (716) 888-2900. 

The ArtsCanisius series at Canisius University presents concerts by professional musicians, including members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Canisius faculty, art shows and lectures by professional artists, as well as student recitals. For more information, contact the Fine Arts Department at (716) 888-2536 or visit canisius.edu/artscanisius. 

Canisius is one of 28 Catholic, Jesuit colleges in the nation and the premier private college in Western New York. Canisius prepares leaders – intelligent, caring, faithful individuals – able to pursue and promote excellence in their professions, their communities and their service to humanity.