Eric Kurek has been selected by Aspire of WNY’s ARTopia Planning Committee as the 2026 ARTopia Artist of the Year! Eric has been an Aspiring Artist with the iXpress program for an incredible 15+ years and fondly credits one of his first art instructors Jody for fostering his love of art. As a testament to his passion for art and painting, one of Eric’s paintings was selected for the Live Auction after being a part of iXpress for just one year!
“It means the world to me to be a part of iXpress,” Eric proudly declares when discussing his participation in the program. Further, he wants people to understand that iXpress “is not just painting but expressing yourself.” Sketching, poetry, singing, and dancing are just a few ways that Eric transforms the ideas and images sparked by his creativity and imagination into tangible beauty that he can share with the world.
Eric has been painting for quite some time and enjoys dabbling with a variety of mediums. Oil paints are what he primarily used as he developed his fondness for painting, but he has since transitioned to acrylics. Eric enjoys painting landscapes, seascapes, nature, and animals. When asked what he considers to be his best painting, he proudly stated that he couldn’t choose just one: both last year’s owl and this year’s whale paintings are equally excellent!
In addition to his thought-provoking, nautically inspired “Catch of the Day” whale painting, Eric collaborated with fellow artist Jenna Pantano to create “Campfire Light” that evokes the feeling of relaxing fireside after a day enjoying the great outdoors. Eric’s third piece “For Mom” pays tribute to his mother who recently passed away. This stunning painting captures two of her favorite things, dragonflies and sunflowers. All three pieces will be on display for ARTopia attendees to enjoy.
Eric credits his beloved mom, as well as his dear sister, for inspiring him to express himself through art. He knows that his distinction as Artist of the Year would be a “wish come true” for his mom. Eric “loves life and everyone in it” and appreciates having his family and friends by his side, motivating and inspiring him every day.
Eric will be joined by his dad at ARTopia, and he is looking forward to seeing everyone at this amazing event and enjoying all the beautiful art everyone has created. He reminds us that “life is short, make the most of it!” and that he can’t wait to make his way to the dance floor to boogie the night away!
