The Main Center Gallery Presents IMAGES OF DAYS GONE BY
A Photo Exhibit To Share Angelica History
The Main Center Gallery in Angelica will present a special photography exhibit on August 1st and 2nd during the village's annual Heritage Days celebration. Images of Days Gone By will feature vintage black & white photographs of the Allegany County Home, along with contemporary photos by Richard Burke that uses the former poor house as a backdrop.
"While the facility has been long closed and unoccupied, the still standing structure is a wonderful remnant of Angelica's rich history," offers Joel Kassirer of the gallery. There is no better time than Heritage Days to remember the past through these photographs."
The Main Center received the older photos from the personal collections of some local community members, including Cheryl Owens, who now owns the property where the County Home still stands. As for the present-day photographs by Richard Burke, he's been drawn to the site as a shooting locale for a number of years now. Burke, who makes his home in Belmont, says about the location, "My current inspiration is the shadows, the silence, the peeling paint of the poor house in Angelica. It keeps me coming back for more, each time modifying the internal landscapes, and capturing a story being whispered in my ear."
The two-day exhibit is limited to Saturday, August 1st from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 2nd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Our gallery usually closes at five on Saturday," Kassirer says. "But with all the Heritage Days activities in the village, we'll stay open an additional two hours to allow those who cannot attend earlier to enjoy the exhibit."
The Main Center is located on the corner of Main & Center Streets in Angelica. The gallery is open every day during the summer from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features the work of over 25 artists and artistans from Allegany County. For more information on The Main Center, you can visit the gallery on the web at http://www.maincenterart.com/
April 2, 2009
Angelica Art Gallery Celebrates 1st Anniversary with an Outdoor Arts & Crafts Fair
In this economy, any business able to make it through its first year of operation has a great reason to celebrate. On Saturday, May 9th, The Main Center art gallery in Angelica will be celebrating their one year anniversary with an Outdoors Arts & Crafts Fair.“
"Last year we held a special preview of the gallery during the weekend of May 2nd, with our grand opening the following week during Angelica’s Main Street In May festivities,” shares Joel Kassirer of the gallery. “Just last week, the pottery studio adjacent to the gallery celebrated the anniversary of their first kiln firing by holding a pottery sale. Our event may be five weeks later, but we promise it to be just as fun.”
Beginning at 10 a.m. on May 9th (again during Main Street In May), The Main Center Outdoor Arts & Crafts Fair will be held outside their business on West Main Street. An assortment of artists, artisans and crafters will be exhibiting and selling a variety of handmade works. A sampling of those scheduled for the fair include Auntie’s Place Studio (scarves, etched bottles, reverse glass painted frames, and more), Bella Soaps, Hardwood Creations (wood turning), Hart On Your Sleeve Productions (pins), JoAnne’s Ceramics (“Make It, Take It” ceramics) and Serene Gems (jewelry).
At 3:00 p.m. sharp, the celebration continues with anniversary cake and other refreshments. Both the art fair and anniversary party is open to all, free-of-charge.
“We are truly grateful for the support during the past twelve months,“ says Joel. “We opened during a time when consumers first priorities were buying food and gas. The art and gifts we sell are not necessities. The fact that we even survived our first year is definitely a reason to be thankful and celebrate. Why not have a good time and enjoy it with the people that made it possible.”
The one-day fair will continue until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, with Sunday, May 10th scheduled as a rain date. The cake celebration will occur on Saturday at 3 p.m., rain or shine.
The Main Center is located at 71 West Main Street in Angelica, off I-86, exit 31. Current hours are Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Beginning Friday, May 9th, Spring hours are Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Summer hours begin on Friday, June 12th, every day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
More information on The Main Center and arts & crafts fair is available at 585-466-7ART or
Angelica Art Gallery “Un-Masks” Local Teenage Talent
Last September, The Main Center art gallery in Angelica started to exhibit the handmade masks of local Almond artist and Genesee Valley Central School art teacher Kristin Buchholz. Little did the teacher expect that masks made by her students as part of the current school curriculum would be exhibited in the gallery as well.
Beginning on Saturday, March 7, 2009, The Main Center will present “Un-Masked: The Hidden Talent of Teens,” an art show featuring masks made by 13 of Ms. Buchholz’ students. Some of Buchholz’ masks will be on display as well.
“The idea for the student show started by complete chance,” says Mark Itzkowitz, an owner of The Main Center. “I was at the school one day and noticed the student masks showcased in a display unit. They were so good that I thought the school was displaying Kristin’s own work. After finding out they all were made by her students, I knew they needed to be seen by the general art-loving public, outside of the school.”
While The Main Center has displayed art by young artists before, “Un-Masked” will be the gallery’s first official amateur student art exhibit. Itzkowitz is delighted to have found amateur work from youths that he considers gallery quality.
In the exhibit, there will be masks made from a variety of different medias, including one made from sneakers, going as far as using the shoelaces.
“To encourage the creative process, I suggest my students think out of the box”, Buchholz shared. “A number of years ago, I first learned how to make light-weight masks at a community workshop in Boston and I have shared mask-making with my students ever since. The main reason why I love teaching mask-making is because it allows one to practice so many different forms of art, including drawing, writing, building, sculpting, collage and painting.”
Kristin Buchholz has been teaching art at Genesee Valley since 2001. Originally born and raised in the Rochester area, she is a graduate of Syracuse University, with a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Printmaking.
“Un-Masked: The Hidden Talent of Teens” will run at The Main Center throughout the entire month of March. Winter hours for the gallery are Saturdays, 10am to 5pm and Sundays, noon to 5pm.
The Main Center is located at the corner of Main and Center Streets in Angelica, right off I86, exit 31. More information on the gallery, including other art featured and the pottery made in their in-house studio, can be found at www.maincenterart.com. Phone contact: (585) 466-7ART.
August 18, 2008
Angelica Art Gallery Extends Rooster Show
What began as a one-day art exhibit at The Main Center Gallery in Angelica, has been extended indefinitely. And it is all because of rooster paintings. A Rooster For The Boosters was the one-day exhibit presented at the gallery during Angelica’s Heritage Days festival earlier this month. Featuring the rooster paintings of artist Renee E. Coombs of Canaseraga, all of the proceeds from the sale of rooster painting Felix (24”w x 33”h, framed, $125.00) were earmarked as a charitable contribution to the Angelica Booster Citizens, the sponsor of Heritage Days.
“We were surprised at the great response to the paintings we received on that day,” says Joel Kassirer, one of the owners of The Main Center. “We sold five rooster paintings in all -- Charlie, Chili Pepper, Jake, Samuel and Milton.”
As a special last minute surprise, artist Coombs brought with her a bucket full of Roosters On A Stick, which are paintings of roosters on heavy paper stock attached to a painted handle.
“Think of a picket sign that’s much smaller and has nothing on it but a rooster painting, and that’s a Rooster On A Stick,” adds Kassirer. “Because of their uniqueness and inexpensive price of only ten dollars each, they became an immediate success. Honestly, where else can you get an original piece of art for such an amazing price.”
The Main Center currently has on exhibit six of the popular rooster paintings in various sizes with prices ranging from $70 to $150, all framed and ready for hanging. And the Rooster On A Stick bucket keeps getting replenished with new original work on a weekly basis. In additon to the roosters, the gallery is also exhibiting Coombs Molly’s Garden series of paintings on old glass windows.
The Main Center, Art Gallery & Pottery Studio, is the latest addition to the Angelica business community, having recently opened at the beginning of May. They are currently open every day from 10:00am through 5:00 pm and have on exhibit the work of 22 local artists and artisans, as well as three in-house potters. The art gallery houses a fine collection that besides paintings include, photography, carvings, mosaics, stained glass and woodwork, along with pottery made on-site.
The Main Center is located at 71 West Main Street and is handicap accessible. (I-86, exit 31.) For more information, phone (585) 466-7ART, email info@maincenterart.com, or visit www.maincenterart.
July 15, 2008 The Main Center Presents “A Rooster For The Boosters” Art Exhibit & Fundraiser for Angelica’s Heritage Days
On Saturday, August 2nd, during Angelica’s annual Heritage Days weekend, The Main Center in Angelica will present “A Rooster For The Boosters,” an art exhibit featuring the rooster paintings of artist Renee E. Coombs.
One of the paintings in the exhibit has been set as the “Boosters’ Rooster” (Felix, 24”w x 33”h, framed, $125.00). All the proceeds from its sale will go to the Angelica Booster Citizens, the sponsor of Heritage Days. Should the painting not sell on that day, the full proceeds will be contributed to the group when it is sold.
"As an Angelica merchant, it is impossible for us to directly participate in the Heritage Days activities happening elsewhere in the village. We simply can’t be in two places at once,” says Joel Kassirer, who is in charge of Business Development for The Main Center.
“This art exhibit will be our small way of actually being a part of Heritage Days, while also helping to support the Angelica Boosters financially. The donation is to thank the Boosters for all the hard work they do, not only for Heritage Days, but all year round.”
Angelica’s 39th Annual Heritage Days is held this year on Saturday, August 2nd and Sunday, August 3rd from 10:00am to 6:00pm in the Park Circle, located in the middle of the Main Street traffic circle, rain or shine. It is an outdoor celebration that includes antiques, arts & crafts, music, Chinese auction, food and more.
During the exhibit‘s opening on that Saturday, artist Renee E. Coombs will be at The Main Center working on a fresh new rooster painting for all to experience her creative process firsthand. Additional rooster paintings in various sizes and price ranges will also be available.
“I couldn’t be more delighted to be a part of this wonderful event”, says artist Coombs of Canaseraga, who was the Spotlight Artist in last Sunday's (July 13th) Rochester Democrat & Chronicle. “My artwork has been embraced by Angelica even before being exhibited at The Main Center. It is with sincere gratitude that I give back to the community by donating one of my paintings and giving my time.”
The Main Center is the latest addition to the Angelica business community, having recently opened at the beginning of May. They are open every day from 10:00am through 5:00 pm and currently have on exhibit the work of 24 local artists and artisans, as well as three in-house potters. The art gallery houses a fine collection that includes paintings, photography, carvings, mosaics, stained glass and woodwork, along with an in-house pottery studio with prices as low as five dollars for a small bowl.
The Main Center is located at 71 West Main Street and is handicap accessible. (I-86, exit 31.) “A Rooster For The Boosters” will occur Heritage Day Saturday during their regular business hours of 10:00am to 5:00pm. For more information, you can reach The Main Center at (585) 466-7ART or info@maincenterart.com. Additional information is also available at www.maincenterart.com
May 21, 2008
THE MAIN CENTER NOW OPEN IN ANGELICA New Art Gallery & Pottery Studio Offers Something for Everybody
The Main Center, a new Art Gallery & Pottery Studio, is the latest addition to the Main Street Angelica business community, having opened its doors to the public during the first week of May.
The gallery currently has on exhibit the work of such local artists and artisans as:
Evie Brandt (Angelica), Richard Burke (Belmont), Renee Combs (Canaseraga), Ron DeMattio (Allegany), Gregory Hardy (Belfast), Judith Hopkins (Fillmore), Shannon Kaake (Angelica), Jennifer Kelley (Almond), Mitchell McNaughton (Freemont), Sally Anne Miller (Rushford), Sarah Phillips (Rushford), Ayla Rector (Belfast), Callie Rimmel (Alfred), Linda Ross (Belmont), Marsha Van Vlack (Whitesville), James Wightman (Wellsville), and Hope Zaccagni (Alfred Station).
“At our gallery the focus is on local talent,” says General Manager Mark Itzkowitz. “There are many wonderful artists in the area without a venue to showcase their works. We want to be that venue.” He adds, “Currently we are proud to have on exhibit oil paintings from a 15 year old and drawings and an oil painting from someone 18 years old. There is no age discrimination when it comes to creativity.”
Along with traditional pieces like paintings, drawings and photography, the gallery carries unique artisan works, such as handmade jewelry, wood bowls, and pottery, which is made in-house in the pottery studio located in the back of the gallery.
The pottery studio at The Main Center is the home of “Firefly Pottery” by Staci Curry (Angelica) and “Mud Puddle Pottery” by Terri Ross (Angelica). Together they create a wide variety of ceramic items including tea pots, bowls, vases, mugs, serving trays, planters, wall sconces, urns, necklaces, key chains, and assorted decorative pieces. The pottery is moderately priced, with small vases and plates starting as low as $5.00. The lowest priced item at The Main Center is $3.00 for a bar of Bella Soap handmade in Angelica, a nice compliment to the ceramic soap dishes and caddies made by the potters for purchase.
“Our intention is to always have a good selection of affordable items available,“ says Mark. “We don’t want to come across as too highbrow or intimidating, but to be a warm and friendly place where even a youngster could come and find a nice gift for mom or dad.”
The Main Center has something for everyone. There is a wonderful array of art on the wall for the art lover, and a great selection of handmade gift items for everybody.
The Main Center is located at the corner of Main Street and Center Street in Angelica, conveniently located right off of I-86 at exit 31. They are opened every day from 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. Phone (585) 466-7ART, email info@maincenterart.com, website www.maincenterart.com.
January 14, 2008
Art Comes to Angelica: Gallery & Studio to Open May 2008
"Art isn’t easy" is a famous line from a song in the Broadway musical "Sunday In the Park With George." While that might be true, it will be much easier to find with the opening of The Main Center in Angelica.
Currently under construction, this new art gallery and pottery studio is scheduled to open in early May of this year to coincide with Angelica’s "Main Street In May" festivities.
The Main Center is being opened by Mark Itzkowitz and Joel Kassirer, the former proprietors of the Angelica Inn from 2004 through 2007. According to Itzkowitz: "The expanding business community of Angelica throughout the past few years has been exciting and welcomed. Our plan is to add to that growth with a business that compliments already existing establishments, while offering shoppers something new and different."
Consisting of the entire first floor of an early 1800's home, the gallery will be made up of three rooms with an additional in-house pottery studio exclusively featuring the works of two talented Angelica potters. A partially exposed wall between the gallery and adjacent studio will allow patrons to easily view the potters at their craft. Other local potters will also be permitted to show and sell their works, along with a wide variety of artists working in other media.
"Our goal is for the space to feature unique, one-of-a-kind pieces from some of the areas most creative artists," says Kassirer. "We plan on featuring distinct creations at all price ranges. It will be the place to go to find an ever-changing assortment of diverse works of art with flare, style and originality."
The Main Center will have the look and sophistication of an art gallery usually found in renowned places like Soho or Chelsea, New York, while maintaining the charm and warmth always found right here in Allegany County.
As a member of the Angelica Merchant Association (AMA), The Main Center will be working closely with other member businesses in helping to promote Angelica as a whole. An Angelica weekend, consisting of pottery classes at The Main Center, a local shopping tour, accommodation’s in one of the villages’s fine bed and breakfasts, plus meals in some of the area’s various dining establishments, is currently a top priority.
The Main Center gets its name from its location – the corner of Main and Center Streets in Angelica. Its goal is to be the main center for a mix of quality art, as well.
For additional information, please visit their website: www.maincenterart.com. They can also be reached during this construction phase via their email address: info@maincenterart.com.
October 25, 2007 Major Elk LLC Announces New Business Venture in Angelica – "The Main Center"
Mark Itzkowitz and Joel Kassirer (Major Elk LLC), former owners of Angelica Inn, are proud to announce a new business to be located at 71 West Main Street (lower level) in Angelica. "The Main Center", an art & artisans gallery with a pottery studio.
"The Main Center" (located at the corner of West Main and Center Streets) will be a one-stop shop for unique and original works from local artists – such as paintings, photographs and sculptures. Patrons will find selections made from all media including glass, clay, ceramics, metal and wood. A variety of functional handmade pieces such as jewelry, vases and bowls will also be available for purchase.
Construction of the space will start at the beginning of the new year, with a scheduled opening for Angelica’s "Main Street In May" weekend in May 2008.
Additional information on "The Main Center" can be found at our web site: www.maincenterart.com. We ask you to please refer back to the site from time to time for updates.