WELLSVILLE — The local community will celebrate the opening of a new art gallery on Friday.
Located on Route 19 across from Kwik Fill in the old Woody Farmer’s Market, the gallery is the brainchild of Marshall Green, former director of the Wellsville Creative Arts Center and ceramic artist/sculptor in his own right.
“I think there are a lot of people in our area who love art and a lot of people from Buffalo and Rochester who come here to buy art,” he said.
Green not only wants to give local artists the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work, he also wants to give collectors the opportunity to purchase affordable art for their homes and offices. While there are artworks available in the $100 to $200 range, there are also high-end artworks up to $3,000.
While Studio 34fourteen’s grand opening is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, gallery hours will be somewhat sporadic for the rest of the month, Green said. In September, Studio 34fourteen will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday to Friday.
However, those interested in purchasing art or just watching can contact Green for an appointment at (585) 808-5362, email Mhbgreen74@gmail.com, or watch on Facebook at Studio 34fourteen.
Although the site has been well known for years as a farmers’ market, it will remain so, Green said. “I have the building where the gallery will be with my art studio. The rest of the building will still be a farmers market.
While his goal for the gallery is to give local artists another place to exhibit and sell their work, he said, “We already have the (Allegany) Artisan’s Tour and the arts center. I don’t want to encroach on them. They are both awesome. I just want to expand on what’s offered here and help build the arts.
Green said that while the original artists at Studio 34fourteen are people he has known, he plans to bring new artists to the gallery.
Currently, those exhibiting art are Glenn Zweygardt, professor emeritus of sculpture at Alfred University; Marsha VanVlack, sculptor and art educator in Whitesville; Mike Griffin, a ceramist from Naples; and John Merlino, an accomplished painter from Buffalo; and green.
The grand opening will include live acoustic music, a meet and greet with some of the exhibiting artists, hors d’oeuvres, self-guided tours of the space, and a free outdoor cigar bar.