Burchfield Penney Art Center Announces New Chief Curator

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Buffalo, NY, February 9, 2026 — Following a national search, the Burchfield Penney Art Center names John Massier, a pillar of the Western New York arts community, as Chief Curator. 

Massier’s extensive experience and dedication to the region’s artists make him uniquely suited to head the Burchfield Penney’s curatorial team at a pivotal time of growth for the Art Center.

For more than twenty years, John Massier has served as Visual Arts Curator at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, where he shaped one of the region’s most influential contemporary visual arts programs—earning recognition for its experimentation and deep engagement with artists at all stages of their careers. 

Over the course of his tenure, Massier organized more than 200 exhibitions and projects spanning site-specific installations, ambitious group exhibitions, career-spanning surveys, and signature public programs. He has worked with an expansive roster of artists whose practices resonate both locally and globally, including Cindy Sherman, Robert Longo, Laylah Ali, Suzy Lake, Jay Carrier, and many others. His approach centers artists as collaborators and foregrounds sustained relationships, resulting in projects that have consistently connected Buffalo to national and international conversations. 

“John’s appointment to Chief Curator reflects the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s respect for Hallwalls and Massier’s extraordinary work, and our continued investment in artist and community-centered curation,” said Scott Propeack, Executive Director of the Burchfield Penney Art Center. “John’s practice is defined by thoughtful curation, generosity, and collaboration. His leadership at Hallwalls has been an integral force in creating a dialogue between Western New York, national, and international artists, and we are excited to welcome his vision to the Burchfield Penney.” 

“As curators, we are ultimately storytellers,” says John Massier. “We tell a story about artworks and the art lives that create them. I have long admired the Burchfield Penney Art Center for its commitment to these stories and the artists of our region. It has been my privilege to explore these stories at Hallwalls for the past two decades, and I'm enthused to bring this passion to the Burchfield Penney. The art stories we tell never end, but instead exist as perpetual revelations filled with curiosity and wonder. I look forward to joining an established and dedicated staff in furthering this mission on behalf of the art and artists of Western New York.”

With shared histories and communities, and complementary missions, the Burchfield Penney Art Center and Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center remain committed to expanding access to contemporary visual culture for diverse audiences and increasing opportunities for artists. 

“John Massier’s appointment is a point of pride for Hallwalls,” says Parrish Gibbons, Executive Director at Hallwalls. “His career reflects what Hallwalls has always been committed to – investing deeply in artists and people over time. John is one of many leaders shaped here, and his transition both celebrates that legacy and creates space for the next generation of curatorial voices at Hallwalls.”

Stay tuned for important updates from Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center in the coming weeks as well. 

^{ABOUT THE BURCHFIELD PENNEY ART CENTER}  

^{Established in 1966 on the campus of SUNY Buffalo State University, the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s mission is to cultivate and elevate the work of Charles E. Burchfield and Western New York artists.} 

^{The Burchfield Penney Art Center’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Burchfield Penney receives generous public support from SUNY Buffalo State University, Erie County, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Buffalo. Private support is provided by The Cameron and Jane Baird Foundation, the Cullen Foundation, the Charles E. Burchfield Foundation, M&T Bank, The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, the Joy Family Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Designated Inclusive Arts and Culture Organizations Endowment Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Inc., Elizabeth Elser Doolittle Trust, the Mary A. H. Rumsey Foundation, the James Carey Evans Endowment, and many additional individuals, corporations, foundations, and Burchfield Penney members. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.} 

Media Contact:
Julia Norris
Director of Communications
Burchfield Penney Art Center
norrisjl[at]bufflostate.edu