Castellani Art Museum unveils ‘Colors Sing to Me: The Life and Art of Polly King’ – a homecoming tribute to a beloved artist

NIAGARA FALLS — Castellani Art Museum, in collaboration with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, is honored to present “Colors Sing to Me: The Life and Art of Polly King.” This exhibition, which spans May 22 to Sept. 1, stands as a poignant homage and homecoming for an artist deeply intertwined with the heart and history of Niagara Falls.

The public is invited to the opening reception on June 6, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the Castellani Art Museum. This special event marks the beginning of an extraordinary showcase of King’s work, offering a chance to experience her legacy and influence firsthand.

From the roaring ’20s to the early ’90s, artist Polly King watched Niagara Falls undergo a remarkable metamorphosis. She saw it evolve from an industrial powerhouse to the famous “Honeymoon Capital,” and finally, to a city grappling with the challenges of a bygone industrial era, often referred to as the “Rust Belt.” King’s art captured these pivotal moments, from the monumental construction of the Niagara Power Project to the bustling heart of Main Street, all while never losing sight of the awe-inspiring natural wonder – Niagara Falls itself.

“I am happy to have the opportunity to share some of our family’s favorite paintings with the broader public. We hope this sparks interest and that more Niagarans and visitors enjoy these works. I would like to thank the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and the Castellani Art Museum for their efforts to share this work. Enjoy the Pollyverse! “ said Don King, son of Polly King.

“Polly King was a prolific and brilliant artist whose work reflected a lifelong dedication to capturing the people and places that surrounded her in travel and at home in Niagara Falls. Through her art and words, she captured the spirit of human creativity and potential, serving as inspiration in her words ‘Art to Enjoy’ to every life she touched. By capturing nearly seven decades of people and the landscape of Niagara Falls, she built a sense of place riveted by water and industry unlike any other artist in Western New York.  To experience her work is a celebration of the very meaning of being human,” said Sara Capen, executive director of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. “The NFNHA is proud to champion Polly King and ensure that her legacy is forever remembered.”

“Polly King deserves widespread and overdue recognition. King was working at a time when women artists did not receive their dues, yet she tirelessly worked through multiple decades. Her passion for art and the landscape and people of this region could not be contained,” said Ellen Owens, director, Castellani Art Museum. “We are more than thrilled to host this retrospective at CAM.”

Featuring a vast array of King’s work, the exhibition reveals her mastery across multiple mediums and styles. From impressionistic landscapes and vivid still lifes to abstract expressions, it showcases how King’s art evolved with and was inspired by the changing face of Niagara Falls. In this exhibition, viewers can see the influences of the modern masters and how they inspired the creation of King’s signature style, and her continual evolution and change throughout her career. This retrospective offers a glimpse into the many subjects and styles that King explored throughout her career, as her insatiable curiosity and delight in artistic exploration drove her to create works of all styles and types.

In addition to the exhibition opening, the Western New York community is invited to engage with the vibrant world of Polly King through a series of educational and inspiring programs at CAM. Explore King’s Artistic Legacy on June 13, from 6-7 p.m., to discover her influences, adaptation of modern art styles, and her role as a pioneering woman in the art world. Budding artists can join the summer Art Express program, Polly’s Art School: Drawing 101, on July 27 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., where children will learn drawing basics inspired by King’s techniques. Furthermore, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center will hold King’s Colorful Plein Air Painting Workshop on Aug. 24 from 1-4 p.m. This workshop welcomes participants of all skill levels to capture nature’s essence using King’s inspiring methods. These programs provide a unique opportunity for both novice and experienced artists to celebrate the legacy of a remarkable artist through meaningful engagement with art.

For more information on the CAM, visit www.castellaniartmuseum.org, and follow CAM’s Facebook page, X (formerly Twitter) @CAM_of_NU and Instagram @CastellaniArtMuseum.