Blog
Resident Artist William McCullagh shares his artistic talents with heroes young and old.
You'll always be able to see artist Bill McCullagh's artwork on the walls of River Art Gallery and Gifts. But now, you can find his creativity in his new adventure of writing and illustrating books for children. Having learning challenges himself throughout the years,...
Brains, Minds, Selves: Julie Kirsch at the Project 308 Gallery
River Art Gallery Resident Member Julie Kirsch Solo Exhibit at the Project 308 Gallery from July 26- August 30, 2023 Oliver Art Festival: Saturday, August 5, 11-5PMClosing Reception: August 25, 6-8PM Julie Kirsch is an artist and philosopher from Buffalo, NY. She is...
Zona Lucia comes face to face with Jaclyn Levesque
If you’ve ever visited River Art Gallery, you’ve become acquainted with Zona Lucia’s loving, heart-felt perspectives throughout her artwork. But you may never have known, Zona has an alter ego, as Jaclyn Levesque, an admissions and enrollment coordinator in the UB...
Be rewarded for your creativity
2023 Statewide Community Regrants offer up to $5,000 in funding for your community arts project idea. Application Deadline May 2023The Statewide Community Regrants (SCR) program supports arts and cultural programming and the creation of new artworks in Erie, Niagara,...
Bewitching Artist Spotlight: Laike Palermo
Get ready for a night of SPOOKTACULAR festivities at this year’s Witches Ball at The Statler on Saturday, October 29 from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Spicy, a branding and digital ad agency founded by Jeffrey Heras and Joe Babcock, collaborated with local artists to...
Woodturning
David Day began woodturning in 2000 by making bowls, candlesticks, vases and bracelets. “I had little experience working on a lathe, so that my first attempts at producing a bowl or a plate were pretty uninspiring” revealed David. He spent a couple of days, working...
A Touch of Nostalgia
River Art Gallery’s September 2021 “Solo Exhibition” featuring Jerry Glaser, represents the return of collectables, songs, icons and colors of the 50’s, 60’s 70’s and more. The lifestyle of this era is well loved by many. One couldn’t help but notice how guests at his...
Molding the Future of Education
“The mission of our business is to exceed customers’ expectations by creating jewelry of high quality, timelessness and permanence” states Dawn DiGesare, as she talks about her early inroads into the professional PMC Clay business. She began teaching online one-on-one...
Art of Invention
Coni Minneci artwork titled Dr Carmen Hijosa – Pinatex. This 10” x 10” painting is created with mixed media. “This series is meant to inspire young girls and young women to be curious on how things work, to solve problems, to stand up for themselves, to not give...
Let’s Paint
It’s time for River Art Gallery to introduce our new member Nikki Milley award-winning portrait artist, teacher, animal lover and mentor dedicated to making our world a little bit prettier! Learn to Watercolor www.brushbabies.com Most of us understood the power of art...
Behind the Painting: Choosing Which Mood to Wear
Many times, ideas strike me or a small doodle becomes something larger and "comes to life" as a painting. On the day the idea for this painting came into being, I found myself in a bit of a sour mood. I felt like I was stuck in a rut and honestly, not very...
What is Art Therapy?
7 Common Myths About Art Therapy by Lisa Horlein, LCAT, ATR-BC I have been an artist and a professional art therapist for over 30 years. Frequently I am asked what is art therapy? The best way to answer this question is to identify common...
Fine Arts League Honors Local Artists
The Fine Arts League of Buffalo held its’ 66th Annual Members Juried Spring Show this Saturday, May 3rd at the River Art Gallery, 82 North Main St. in Tonwanda, NY. and presented special ‘Artiest (Lifetime Achievement) Awards’ to Two Incredible Local...
CALL FOR ARTISTS – ART ON OLIVER STREET
“Art on Oliver Street”- Public Art Initiative CITY OF NORTH TONAWANDA- The Oliver Street corridor, located within the City of North Tonawanda will soon become home to a public art initiative known as “Art on Oliver Street”. Art on Oliver Street will consist of various...
Bee Publications features Just Buffaloes Exhibition
https://www.amherstbee.com/articles/river-art-gallery-and-gifts-to-host-just-buffaloes-art-exhibition/
Tonawanda Sun – Featured the “Just Buffaloes” Exhibit
Tonawanda SunLike PageJanuary 14 at 11:38 AM · River Art Gallery and Gifts at 83 Webster St. in North Tonawanda will host “Just Buffaloes,” starting Saturday and running through Feb. 16. The exhibition of 12local artists’ take on the American bison will...
WKBW Feature Story on “Just Buffaloes” Exhibition
Mike Randall visited River Art Gallery last Thursday to check out the "Just Buffaloes" exhibit. Join us for the Opening Reception on January 26th, from 4:00 until 7:00pm. https://www.wkbw.com/…/north-tonawanda-art-gallery-is-where…
Philip Burke to paint LIVE at Gateway Concert
AWESOME NEWS! International Artist Philip Burke will be painting LIVE at the Music & Arts Festival - Gateway Harbor Concert. Wednesday, August 1st. "The Who" Tribute band. Mark your calendar for this special event. #liveconcert #thewho #gatewayharbor
“Complicated” Art book for sale at River!!
Dennis Bertram, one of many artists represented at River Art Gallery and Gifts, has published a book, "Complicated: A Plain Talking Artist's Guide to His Art." At 146 pages and with over a hundred color images, he describes the meaning and evolution of his...
Congratulations to our Gallery Manager!
Our very own gallery manager Melinda K. Schneider won "Best of Show" for her painting titled, 'The Faery Garden (Pastel) at the Niagara Frontier Art exhibit held at the Kenan Center, Lockport, NY.
River Gallery Momentum!
River Art Gallery and Gifts has been a part of the historical North Tonawanda's efforts for local revitalization. Over the years we have become a destination for visitors to spend time enjoying our great food, art, music, theater and film. We have been highlighted in...
Luminescent Skies in Watercolor Workshop
Instructor: Deanna Weinholtz This two day art workshop in Tonawanda will explore techniques to achieve luminescent skies in watercolor. A looser approach to watercolor is utilized and the results are stunning. Each student may paint from his own photo reference of...
Painting on Leather – Dennis Bertram
Leather is both a natural and historic material used by artists for centuries. I have been working with leather for a few years, creating messenger bags, buckles, and similar items. However, I am also a painter. Paint can be used on many surfaces. I have used canvas,...
Palette-to-Palete Event
Join us for a fabulous evening of food, wine, art and gifts. The event takes place in conjunction with River Art Gallery and Gifts, Webster's Kitchen, Jody Ziehm and Gates Circle Wine & Liquor. On Sunday March 4th join us in North Tonawanda for an evening of fun....
Donna Hale Demo at Canal Fest!!
Donna Hale is one of our newest resident members. Working in soft pastel she used a photo as a reference for her piece.
Check out River’s Resident Artist Connie Garver’s new “Animal Series”
Resident River Artist, Connie Garver's been creating Art since childhood. She works in many mediums, including acrylic, watercolor, oil, colored pencil, paper cut, mixed media as well as stained glass. She says that "things from nature spark my greatest interest."...
‘Revealing Intimacies”, an exhibit by Resident River Artist, Cindi O’Mara to open November 21st at Betty’s !
'Revealing Intimacies', Works created by Cindi O'Mara will open on November 21st and run through January 22nd, 2017. The exhibit is at Betty's located at 370 Virginia St in Buffalo, NY. The opening reception is from 6pm to 8pm on November 21st. For further info...
‘Buffalo Snow’, a book illustrated by Artist Elizabeth Leader, is now available at River!
'Buffalo Snow' is the story of a little girl and her older brother who are stranded in a blizzard. With the cold winds whipping around them, they are forced to abandon the family car and seek shelter with strangers. Up against the forces of nature and separated from...
A New Painting by Resident River Artist, Deanna Weinholtz entitled, ‘Euphoria’!
This new acrylic painting by Deanna Weinholtz is a part of her water series, entitled "Euphoria", The medium is acrylic and silver leaf on a cradle board. The silver leaf shimmers through the paint and creates a beautiful, unique look that must be seen in person to...
River’s Resident Artist Len Rusin to show at the 2016 Mountain Oyster Club Art Show in Tucson, AZ
Len Rusin's oil painting "Wash Your Hands Roger!" has been accepted into the 2016 Mountain Oyster Club Art Show in Tucson, Arizona. This prestigious art show that features many national artists will run through November 20, 2016 through January 2017. This is Len's...
A Warm Welcome to Our New Jewelry Artisan, Sandra Pallotta!
River Art Gallery And Gifts extends a Warm Welcome to our new Jewelry Artist, Sandra Pallotta! Sandra is quoted as saying, ' Each of us is unique and expressive in our own way and I design one of a kind Artisan pieces with that in mind.' Her Jewelry is...
River Art Gallery and Gifts
Founded in 2009, we are an Art Gallery and Gift Store. Located in the heart of North Tonawanda, NY’s historical and cultural district we exhibit original artwork by artists from the Buffalo, Western New York, and the Southern Ontario region. Our store carries original...
Western Caribbean with Jody Ziehm
Ready to plan your escape to paradise next February? Instead of being in 32 degree weather, what about taking Plein Air workshop on a Western Caribbean Cruise, with Jody Ziehm? Paint outdoors in the Bahamas and Mexico, at beautiful ports such as Princess Cays, Grand...
Tips: Paint Brushes 101
Anyone who has ever walked down a paint brush aisle knows there are a gazillion paint brushes to choose from. Whether you are a beginner or just curious about what brushes to use for what, we found some quick videos that may be helpful. Which Brush to Choose -...
The Devil is in the Details Exhibit Opening
It was a nice turnout for E. Jane Stoddard's "The Devil is in the Details" Exhibit, which was held on April 18th, 2015. Originally an oil painter, Jane's detailed watercolors captivated the audience. If you are boat enthusiast, Jane's imagery of New England and Maine...
‘The Devil is in the Details’ at River Art Gallery as artist shows off work
Mia Summerson, of the The Niagara Gazzette, had written a very nice article about E. Jane Stoddard's "The Devil is in the Details" Exhibit, in the 04/19/2015 edition. By Mia Summerson ([email protected]) NORTH TONAWANDA — To look at the intense color and...
Productivity Tips
Feeling unproductive or creatively blocked? Here's a great video we found, by ASAP Science, that may help get you back on track.
Tips: Cleaning Glass in Framed Artwork
There are some things to keep in mind when cleaning the glass, in a framed piece of artwork or photograph. Before you start, you must determine if it is regular glass or if it is plexi-glass. Plexi needs to be cleaned with a non-abrasive and ammonia-free cleaner....
Making Marks – The Park School of Buffalo
Post by Fotini Galanes Mark Making began as a response to a request from the Burchfield Penney Art Center to demonstrate and interpret my drawings to visitors in a hands-on experience that explains how my drawings are made, what inspires them, and how long they take...
‘Northern Reflections’ opens at NT’s River Art Gallery
Mia Summerson, of the The Niagara Gazzette, had written a very nice article about Deanna Weinholtz "Northern Reflections" Exhibit, in the 03/11/2015 edition. It was featured on the Front Page! EXHIBIT: Work of Deanna Weinholtz on display through April 4. BY MIA...
Deanna Weinholtz Exhibit Opening
It was a great turnout for Deanna's "Northern Reflections" exhibit opening, which was held on March 7th, 2015! It was wall-to-wall people here at River Art Gallery and we couldn't be happier for her. Painting in the mediums of acrylic and watercolor, Deanna's styles...
Installing Deanna Weinholtz Exhibit
It's always interesting watching an exhibit come together. From when the artist drops off their work, to where it hangs on the wall is an experience all in itself. When Deanna dropped off work for her exhibit, she and our Gallery Manager, Cindi, had gone through every...
Members Meeting 2-28-15 Highlights
Thank you to all who came to the Members Meeting on Saturday (2/28/15). It's always great having our artists together! During the meeting our Gallery Manager, Cindi, discussed the upcoming exhibits this year, including our next exhibit featuring Deanna Weinholtz. All...
Tips: Promote Yourself – Pt2 – Create a Facebook Page
Facebook has become a way of life, and it's become an inexpensive and great way of promoting yourself and business. Even though social networking may seem complex, once you get the hang of it, you can make an update or post a picture in a few short minutes. First,...
Artist Enhanced Giclées
I have been working on a very exciting new idea for my upcoming solo show “Northern Reflections”. My painting of “Paradise” has had many requests for giclées, which I always declined to do. The original painting is done with iridescent paint and I felt it just...
Promote Yourself
As an artist it's important to promote yourself. Even though you can leave it up to a gallery to help promote you, a better way to become more successful is to cross-promote. As a gallery, we can say there is definitely a difference in success between an artist that...
New Outdoor Displays for River
River Art Gallery and Gifts is located in the historic old Evening News building. Even though being located in such a historic building is great it's not a typical storefront building, with display windows. Most pedestrians pass by our building and not even realize...
Top 5 Reasons to Buy From Local Artists
There are many benefits in buying from local artists. Here are our Top 5 Reasons to buy from local artists, such as from our River Gallery Members. It's Familiar - Many artists create work based on their location. Painters may paint local scenes, photographers may...
How-to Hang a Wire Mounted Frame
When you purchase a painting, or giclée print, from a gallery or frame shop chances are they will have a hanging wire on the back. If you are not used to hanging frames with wire, we found some videos that will help guide you on hanging your artwork. To give you a...
How-to Remove Paint from Hands & Clothes
As artists we are always getting dirty with paint or other substances. Here are some helpful tips and videos, with tips on how to remove paint and such from your hands and clothes without harsh chemicals. How To Remove Oil Based Paint From Your Hands/Brushes...