February is Black History Month, and Buffalo has no shortage of opportunities to celebrate Black art and the contributions of Black artists.
In addition to this celebration, there are artistic wonders available year-round that you may forget about, like the huge Darwin D. Martin house sitting in Parkside every time you drive by.
Take a tour at the Darwin D. Martin House
Designed for Buffalo self-made millionaire, Darwin D. Martin, between 1903 and 1905, the Prairie-style home by Frank Lloyd Wright in Parkside is what he calls a “domestic symphony.” In the 1.5 acre estate is an open space featuring sixteen abstract patterns of Wright’s ‘light screens,’ windows of clear glass with touches of color throughout and an indoor glass-enclosed garden with a replica of the Winged Victory of Samothrace statue. For the month of February, students can tour the house for as low as $5 with the promo code “FEB50” at checkout.
Visit Burchfield Penney Art Center on a Saturday
Alongside Buffalo State’s Burchfield Penney Art Center current exhibitions like Art in Craft Media which celebrate artists challenging the bounds of crafting media, the center holds an Open Studio workshop every Saturday between 10:30 a.m. to- 4 p.m. for visitors to explore their artistic impulses with various materials and mediums.
Feb. 10 - Artists of Color Opening Reception at Townsend Gallery
On view from February 10 to March 23, the annual Artists of Color exhibition presents the work of artists who reflect on the African American experience from a contemporary and personal perspective.
Feb. 17 - International Fiesta
The annual International Fiesta happening this year on Feb. 17 at the UB Center for the Arts (CFA) Mainstage Theatre spotlights the rich cultural diversity of UB with students performing musical traditions spanning from the Carribbeans, West Asia and South Asia to Eastern Europe and Latin America. Admission is free for UB students; however, ticket pickups have not been announced.
Feb. 22 - Thursday Night Live: Vibrant Stringz
Since elementary school, the three siblings, Johnny, Jaliyah, and Rahim, have been classically trained in their violins and have continued their artistry throughout college. They are multifaceted in their musicality, playing all genres of music and have played alongside Grammy-award winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, inauguration ceremonies and more.
Feb. 25 - Colored Musicians Club Sunday Jam Session
Since 1935, the Colored Musicians Jazz Club has been preserving their tradition of inviting audiences to join their jam sessions. While the CMC’s building undergoes construction, this jam session will be held at the Buffalo History Museum with an admission fee of $25.
Feb. 25 - The Uncrowned Queen Institute’s “Say their Names, Honor their Legacies”
At the Buffalo History Museum, Buffalo’s Uncrowned Queen Institute will unveil their new exhibit which centers the introspective experiences from Black elders in Buffalo through portraits, biographies and video interviews.
Tenzin Wodhean is the senior arts editor and can be reached at tenzin.wodhean@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
