The home of Artpark and numerous arts festivals throughout the year, Lewiston has long been known for its interest in the arts.
Two well-appointed art galleries have opened on the corner of North Fourth and Center streets.
The School of the Arts is showing over 30 artists from North America and Europe. While not large, the gallery is warm and inviting, with white walls showcasing sophisticated, vibrant work. Its director, Linda Hankin, is a professional artist who teaches both here and in Canada. Her gallery in Netherby, Ont., is called the School of Ideas. She characterizes the School of the Arts as "a contemporary gallery based on ideas. It's visual poetry."
Soon to open adjoining the gallery is Les Deux Magots Cafe, modeled after the famous bohemian cafe of that name in Paris. It will serve light breakfasts, lunches, coffee and pastries.
The gallery is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Art lessons for children and adults are available.
In contrast to the School of the Arts, the Averill Gallery next door showcases traditional realism, often with a local historical theme. Owners Robert and Lynn Averill opened the gallery in October. Formerly located on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, the gallery was awarded the Best Up and Coming Gallery Award for 2005 by Artvoice.
Presently on view at the gallery are the works of Michael McMahon, a popular watercolorist from Youngstown; Lockport's Jeff Harding, who specializes in the American Revolution, French and Indian War and Indian themes in general; Judy Soprano, a watercolorist who paints winter scenes of woods and rivers; and Paul Alico, a retired firefighter who works in pastel.
The Averill Gallery is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from noon to 7 p.m.
Artzee, located at 520 Center St., has been in operation for six months. It has "a little bit of everything creative," according to Kristen Trunzo, who runs the business along with her sister Jamie Hibbard-Gibson.They carry supplies for arts and crafts, scrapbooking, jewelry-making and glass-painting. This appealing little shop has something for everyone. It is open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Not Just Yarn at 784 Center St. is not new to Lewiston. It moved to its present location from Cayuga Street in June. Though fabrics, notions, cross-stitch and tatting supplies, and crochet threads are for sale, it is the colors and textures of the fine yarns that catch the eye in this cozy shop. On any given day, you will see a group of people sitting around a table or on a couch knitting and chatting. Tuesday is open knitting day, when people come in to work on projects and get gentle help from owner Muriel Norwich, an experienced knitter. Examples of her skill adorn the shop.
Not Just Yarn carries many fine yarns, from cotton to alpacas. Hand-knit items are for sale and lessons are available. The store is open Tuesday through Friday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
| Niagara Falls Reporter | www.niagarafallsreporter.com | Dec. 20 2005 |