The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, in collaboration with Jamestown High School and Tom Mason, recently finished an enhancement project at the Potters Gallery, an alley art gallery that originated in Potters Alley between Third and Fourth streets.
Contributing artists will be recognized in the parking lot between Mason's Fine Arts and Dorian's Plus at 3:45 p.m. today.
"The JRC is pleased to have the opportunity to expand on this collaborative project as part of its Urban Design Plan implementation efforts," said Jason Stronz, JRC executive director.
Mason joined the partnership the JRC built with Jamestown High School and Jamestown Community College to expand the gallery west of Potters Alley on to the side wall at his downtown property, which houses Mason's Fine Arts. The gallery now includes 49 pieces of student artwork from the two schools. It was established in 2010 through grants from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and the Gebbie Foundation.
"As a former high school art teacher, I am excited to have the chance to display student work on my building," Mason said. "All the activity on North Main Street is accentuated by this and other forms of public art. I hope this initiative continues to expand."
Jamestown High School student artwork accounts for 37 of the 49 pieces. The JHS art department contributed 14 works for 2012. Works by Katie Baudo, Avalon Bradshaw, Anne Campion, Dennis Drew IV, Justin Hodges, Katie Kitchell, Katie Miktuk, Abbie Perrin, Rebecca Rew, Kameron Rizzo-Walker, Eric Ryberg, Hannah Samuelson and Megan Terry are new this year.
"The students selected this year, as in year's past, are thrilled to see their work on display in Potters Gallery,'' said Stephanie Baker, Jamestown High School art teacher. "The expansion of this space continues to emphasize our community's talent-and its fondness for the arts."
Vacanti's Extreme Signs produced and installed the framed prints. More enhancements to the gallery are scheduled to be implemented later this fall.