The Art of Western New York: An Historical Context

When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, it connected Albany and the Hudson River with Buffalo, creating one of the country's most significant trade routes for transporting grain and goods from the Northeast to the Midwest and beyond. Change also permeated the arts in this region, illustrated by a continuum started by itinerant portrait painters that developed into societies, art schools, and supportive organizations that brought artists together, resulting in the vibrant arts community that we exemplify today. This exhibition featured many of the historically important works from the collection that demonstrated the breadth of artistic achievement in Buffalo and the Niagara Region. The oldest painting in the museum's collection was on view- dating from 1875: Near Portage, New York by Hamilton Hamilton. Late 19th and early 20th century art included paintings, drawings and prints as well as decorative arts by Roycroft artisans.