The Buffalo Religious Arts Center
Welcome. Please join us in our effort to create a space that preserves and celebrates the religious art of the immigrant, ethnic heritage of Buffalo.
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First Bus Tour Set for July 23rd by Brian Castner
July 3rd, 2008 - Please join us on our first monthly bus tour of the churches of Buffalo. Sponsored by the Arts Center, our monthly bus tours take you to four beautiful churches, and lunch at Chef's Restaurant, for one low price.
Our first tour, titled "Splendors in Stained Glass," takes you to Saint Francis Xavier Church in Black Rock (future first site of the Buffalo Religious Arts Center), Trinity Episcopal Church, Saint Ann's Church and Shrine, and Corpus Christi Church. See windows by Tiffany, LaFarge, Zettler and Meyer - one of the best collections of stained glass artists in the world.
The bus leaves the parking lot of Saint Andrew's Church, at Elmwood and Sheridan, at 9:00 am sharp on July 23rd. Cost of the five hour tour is $50, and includes bus transportation, services of an expert docent, entrance to each church, and, of course, lunch at Chef's.
For more information, and to reserve your place now, call our tour coordinator, Mary Holland, at 481-2350.
Tax-Exempt Status Achieved!
by Brian Castner
June 30th, 2008 - Sometimes success is measured in the acquisition of a new item of greta beauty, the hosting of a successful event, or the annoucement of a new major donor.
But other times, a little bit of paperwork makes a huge difference, and a major milestone of success is reached.
The Buffalo Religious Arts Center just received word from the IRS that we have been granted tax-exempt status. This designation as a 501(c)(3) means we can accept donations directly and can apply for many more grants and funding streams. Normally this process takes 6-12 months. We are blessed that our paperwork was accepted in two.
A special thank you to the Landmark Society that has been acting as our passthrough for the last several months, while we waited for this designation. And an extra special thank-you to Deacon Mike McKeating Esq., who volunteered so much of his time to assist on the paperwork. We couldn't have done it without you.
Arts in the Park on Friday, Tours on Sat!
by Brian Castner
June 26, 2008 - Buffalo Homecoming is finally here. Come to the Arts in the Park event on Friday evening, 5:00 pm to 8:00pm in Delaware Park, on the steps of the Albright-Knox, to learn more about the Buffalo Religious Arts Center.
Then come pay us a visit Saturday afternoon! Tours start at 11:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm at Saint Francis Xavier, at 157 East Street in Black Rock. Tours are just $5, and your docent will explain not only the beauty and history of the church, but discuss our plans for the future as well. Come on out, support Buffalo Homecoming, and the Buffalo Religious Arts Center as well.
Tour Program Starting to Heat Up
by Brian Castner
June 17, 2008 - Building on our successful tours from last weekend, we are getting ready to expanding our tour program.
Next up is Buffalo Homecoming, where we will be participating in a number of events. On Friday, June 27th, we'll be at Arts in the Park at the Casino in Delaware Park. Come meet some of our volunteers, and sign up yourself to help out.
We are also proud to be part of the Re-Discover Buffalo Tours on Saturday, June 28th. We'll be having tours of Saint Francis Xavier Church, starting at 11:00am, noon, and 1:00pm. Admission is only $5, and your docent led tour will teach you about the architecture and history of the church, and our plans for the future.
Plus, in July, we will start monthly bus tours. The first is scheduled for July 23rd - save the date, because more info is coming soon.
Rediscover Amherst Street a Success
by Brian Castner
June 14, 2008 - Thank you to everyone who helped make our participation in Rediscover Amherst Street such a success. This was our first time in the festival, and we got a great response from everyone, including organizers (thanks Susan and the other members of the Grant Amherst Business Association), tour-goers, and our volunteers that put on this event.
Many of you asked today when we would have additional tours. While we are not open as a gallery yet, our tour program is kicking into full swing this summer. On Saturday, June 28th, in conjunction with Buffalo Homecoming, we'll be doing a number of church tours again. Check back for more information. In addition, we'll be starting our bus tour program in July. As part of the bus tour, for one inclusive price, we'll drive you around Buffalo, provide tours of four churches, and feed you lunch too. More information will be coming out soon, so check back with us!
Come to a tour during Rediscover Amherst Street XI
by Brian Castner
June 11, 2008 - The Buffalo Religious Arts Center is pleased to join the Grant-Amherst Business Association and the Black Rock community in throwing a great party this coming Saturday: Rediscover Amherst Street!
This Saturday, June 14th, from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm, Amherst Street will be the site for a classic Buffalo festival. Pie baking contests, a parade, jugglers, and the Strawberry Festival at Saint John's United Church of Christ.
On top of that great lineup, we excited to announce we're starting our tour program: hourly architectural tours of Saint Francis Xavier. For only $5 learn about the history of the church, plus see our growing collection and learn about our plans for the future. Of course, we'll be recruiting volunteers as well.
Come to Black Rock this coming Saturday. Click here for the complete schedule of events.
Thank You!!! by Brian Castner
June 8, 2008 - Thank you to everyone who helped prepare Saint Francis Xavier for the upcoming Rediscover Amherst Street festival. We had a great crowd on hand, who braved the heat and humdity, to do a great clean up job. A special thank you to Marsha - for her young clean up crew who did such a great job cutting the grass and cleaning up, Al - for bringing his weedwacker and cleaning the parking lot, Don - for moving the piano!, and Mary -donuts and water are always appreciated. We couldn't have done without the help of our volunteers, new and old, local residents and new friends.
This coming Saturday, June 14th, is the Rediscover Amherst Street Festival from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. Come enjoy the food, art, and strawberries across the street at Saint John's UCC. But most of call, come down for a tour of Saint Francis Xavier, as we discuss the history of the church and our plans for its conversion.
Volunteers Needed!
by Brian Castner
May 30, 2008 - Its time for Spring Cleaning at Saint Francis Xavier, as we get ready for the Rediscover Amherst Street festival on June 14th (more on this event coming soon).
On Saturday, June 7th, at 10:00am, we'll be cleaning Saint Francis Xavier Church inside and out. Debris left from the winter outside, and lots of scrubbing inside. Time to break out the Murphy's Oil Soap and get scrubbing!
If you can come on Saturday, please let us know (email or call 957-9251) so we bring enough cleaning supplies. And if you forgot to RSVP, don't worry. Just come on down and help out. There will be plenty to do!!
Adopt Art Program - Statue of St. Gerard by Brian Castner
May 26, 2008 - Saint Gerard Church, built in 1911 and expanded in 1930, is closing as a parish. But this statue of Saint Gerard, which has made its home in the Roman Basilica style church for nearly one hundred years, is available for purchase if we act quickly.
Carved from marble and standing over life size, this statue of Saint Gerard is a magnificent example of art realized through faith. As the lasting symbol of Saint Gerard's parish, it would a worthy addition to the arts center. But only if we receive help soon.
Please Adopt this stunning piece of art, and help us place it in the Buffalo Religious Arts Center collection. Contact us today to learn how to make this possible.
Arts Center Supports Preserve America Initiative by Brian Castner
May 22, 2008 - The Buffalo Religious Arts Center is pleased to join Broadway-Fillmore Alive, the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, and other area groups in supporting the Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood's application to be named a Preserve America community.
The Preserve America program is a White House sponsored initiative that recognizes American treasures and helps preserve them by providing funding grants and other support.
With its rich cultural history, diverse population, and historical and architectural gems (including Saint Ann's), the Broadway Fillmore Neighborhood is well deserving of this distinction.
Help Us Save These Windows by Brian Castner
May 16, 2008 - The Buffalo Religious Arts Center is urgently seeking a donor, or group of donors, to adopt windows here in Buffalo.
As churches are being adapted for re-use, there is a great potential their windows will be sold to organizations outside of Western New York.
Now is our chance to raise funds to purchase theese windows, buy replacement colored glass windows for the churches, and transport them back to the arts center for display. Please contact us today so we can discuss how to keep these treasures in Buffalo.
Art Focus - Art Deco Baptismal Font From the continuing series of stories on art being donated to the Buffalo Religious Arts Center.
by Brian Castner
May 13, 2008 - As part of our ongoing "Adopting Art" program, a member of our Board of Trustees has purchased and donated this unique Baptismal Font from Most Holy Redeemer Church. While the creation date of this exact piece is unknown, Most Redeemer Church itself was built in 1913, only a few years prior to the art deco movement. This baptismal font is an excellent example of that period.
Containing two types of marble, with a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit incorporated into the brass top, this piece serves as a wonderful counterpoint to traditional Romanesque and Gothic works.
If you would like more information how you can be part of the "Adopting Art" program, please contact us.
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by Brian Castner
May 16, 2008 - The Buffalo Religious Arts Center is urgently seeking a donor, or group of donors, to adopt windows here in Buffalo.
As churches are being adapted for re-use, there is a great potential their windows will be sold to organizations outside of Western New York.
Now is our chance to raise funds to purchase theese windows, buy replacement colored glass windows for the churches, and transport them back to the arts center for display. Please contact us today so we can discuss how to keep these treasures in Buffalo.
From the continuing series of stories on art being donated to the Buffalo Religious Arts Center.
by Brian Castner
May 13, 2008 - As part of our ongoing "Adopting Art" program, a member of our Board of Trustees has purchased and donated this unique Baptismal Font from Most Holy Redeemer Church. While the creation date of this exact piece is unknown, Most Redeemer Church itself was built in 1913, only a few years prior to the art deco movement. This baptismal font is an excellent example of that period.
Containing two types of marble, with a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit incorporated into the brass top, this piece serves as a wonderful counterpoint to traditional Romanesque and Gothic works.
If you would like more information how you can be part of the "Adopting Art" program, please contact us.
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