On North Forest Road, Aspire of WNY’s headquarters, fondly called Audubon, sits quietly. While unbothered motorists bustle by in traffic, cruising down Millersport highway, this building houses a secret garden of artwork crafted by Aspiring Artists who participate in Aspire of WNY’s iXpress art program.
Audubon’s halls bloom with a vibrant garden of paintings, sketches, photography, canvases, portraits, and landscapes. Each piece is like a blossom bursting with color, whispering a story nurtured by time, patience, and love. In Room 117, one of the agency’s iXpress Art Rooms, the seeds of creativity are sown. Here, artists and facilitators collaborate, their hands and bodies working in unison to cultivate this visual sanctuary.
If you were to stroll through this garden gallery, your gaze may be first drawn to the explosion of color. Yet, upon closer inspection, the rich tapestry unfolds. Paints like vibrant petals dance on paper, while beads, trinkets, buttons, and pearls add texture and dimension to the garden. Techniques are applied in diverse forms, from the delicate lines of a single flower to the bold strokes of an abstract landscape. It’s a testament to each artist’s voice and each medium’s unique joy, which reveals the essence within.
But the garden’s beauty extends beyond the visual. Each piece exudes an uplifting energy, like sunlight warming the earth. The joy and individuality of the artists’ work shine through, inviting you to share in their warmth and be inspired by their creativity. This feeling is built on a foundation of creativity but is nurtured with acceptance, independence, and potential.
Beyond the visual charm, a deeper appreciation takes root. You can sense the dedication that went into each artwork, the silent (or sometimes loud) conversations between artist and facilitator encouraging the creative process. It’s a partnership blooming with care and communication, a beautiful dance between guidance and independent growth that deserves our respect and appreciation.
So, the next time you find yourself at Audubon, ask for a tour of our garden. Take the time to leave the hubbub of busy traffic, wander our halls, and savor the garden within. Let its beauty not only paint your vision but touch your heart, inviting you to know each artist and how they’ve captured moments, feelings, and time in a frame, canvas, or photo.
At Aspire of WNY, each captivating bloom whispers a story – a testament to connection, love, and the unwavering human spirit that cultivates these masterpieces.