El Museo Gallery Review

                During the month of December and January, an art show was held at the El Museo Gallery in downtown Buffalo. Submissions for this show came from the Police department and any direct relatives, along with all Buffalo public schools. People of all ages were allowed to register and submit two pieces into the show. Entries were organized into categories such as kids, teenagers, and adult groups spilt into amateur and professional.

                There was a large variety of all different types of work in this show. It ranged everywhere from abstract and realistic paintings, to drawings, to photography. There were also a few sculptures and mixed media works in the show. The show was set up so that nothing was clustered or over powering the work next to it. Larger pieces seemed to take up walls of their own and everything circled around the gallery so that your eyes were continuously attracted to the next piece. Work from the same person was commonly put right next to their first piece. The variety of the work was able to grasp the attention of every person there and delight all. There materials used in the art process were quite interesting. One young girl drew on a large plane of wood and then painted with acrylics on it also. Another person drew a self portrait with red lipstick. There were pieces that were very realistic and portrayed scenes such as landscapes. Another piece revealed an abstract scene that showed a series of connected lines. If one looked hard enough, the figure of a woman would appear, amongst other things. A mixed media piece that was shown included earth tone paints, newspaper, cut out letters, and images that were added to a canvas. Other works were of portraits and still lives. Younger kids submitted prints, collages, and even small, painted canvases. All the contestants really showcased themselves in each of their works. 

                In each category that entered the show, there were prizes awarded for first, second, and third place and there was also an honorable mention handed out for each category. Two prestigious people in the arts judged the show and picked out the winners. Best in show went to the Principal of a Buffalo School for her photography. I was personally involved in this art show. I submitted two pieces to the teen division that were landscapes and would be considered realistic. I was awarded first place for my landscape painting of a barn and tree that I created with oil paints. I received $75 and a blue ribbon to hang on my piece. One of the judges even pulled me aside to tell me how great my work was and to keep creating art.

Overall, I believe this show was very good for the community and really got a lot of people involved. Many teachers submitted the work of their students and were there to support them during the reception. It is a show that was able to represent the community as a whole and show the diversity in the art world. This show was very successful in the end.