Continuing to build on its commitment to arts education, the Castellani Art Museum has planned some exciting new programming for both members and Niagara University students.

This past spring, our CAM Membership Coordinator Susan Clements and a committee of volunteers—including Pat Pino, Debbie Emerson, Jean Hackenheimer and Dolores Tittle—worked together to create “Meet Me at the Louvre.” This innovative series of programs combined screenings of Museum Masterpieces: The Louvre  followed by lively discussions of the artworks shown. Discussions were led by artist Kath Schifano and Adjunct Professor of Art History, Nancy Knechtel, as well as museum staff. Special thanks to our presenters—and to the many CAM volunteers who prepared homemade refreshments.

The six week “Meet Me at the Louvre” series—offered free of charge to museum members, volunteers and docents—was one of our most successful programs ever, with an average attendance of 60 people. As word of mouth spread about presentations that were both fun and enlightening, our membership increased by 10%. Following on this success, the museum will offer members-only screenings/discussions focusing on Andy Warhol, the Harlem Renaissance, women artists, and the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the coming year.  

  In support of Niagara University’s goal to offer students an exceptional learning experience, the Castellani Art Museum is placing more emphasis on using the arts as the focus of active/integrative learning. This fall, our “Andy Warhol: A Photographic Legacy” exhibition will provide the inspiration for a truly hands-on learning experience being coordinated by curator Michael Beam. As part of the exhibition, University students from a number of academic departments and campus organizations will help to paint a wall-sized mural of Andy Warhol’s interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Warhol’s “Last Supper” series, created shortly before his death, is not nearly as well known as his earlier work. Several art historians feel that the “Last Supper” series reveals a religious dimension of Warhol’s character that remained hidden during his lifetime.

The museum’s mural project will begin with a panel discussion by CAM Education Coordinator, Marian Granfield; Dr. Amelia Gallagher, who chairs the University’s Religious Studies Department; and CAM curator Michael Beam. The panel will explore Warhol’s life and work, his use of “borrowed” images, the history of appropriation in art making, and the religious meaning and symbolism of the Last Supper. Through initiatives like the Warhol mural project, we support students in becoming more familiar and comfortable with the museum as a place of exploration and learning.

nning art book published by Fresco Fine Art Publications and distributed through the University of New Mexico Press: “Frammenti della Vita: The Art and Writings of Jefferson D. Rubin.” In her introduction, Granfield describes her friendship with Rubin and shares insights into his classically-inspired work. Granfield, who received her Masters degree in Art History from the University of Denver, is an adjunct professor at Niagara University as well as the museum’s Education Coordinator. Please watch your mail for information about a book signing here at the museum.   

 Kate Koperski, Director