About The Gallery Grant

The Gallery Grant will be awarded to an artist seeking advancement in their creative field. The funds, in the amount of $1,500, may be used in any manner that the artist deems appropriate within the scope of their artistic endeavor (including but not limited to purchasing equipment, tools, materials, skill-enhancing courses, etc.), and will culminate in a month-long exhibit at The Gallery in the following year, with an in-person reception.

That’s a lot of dry language basically to say that we want to give an artist a chunk of change toward the creation of a body of artwork that they love, and then host a party at our place to celebrate them.

Backstory: paying it forward

In 2017, Keith Walters was awarded the Genesee Valley Arts grant. Over the course of a year, he created a collection of off-the-beaten path photographs of Letchworth State Park which culminated in an exhibition entitled “Beyond the Turnouts.” The photographs were printed on metal using the funds received from the grant and are now on display in the visitor center at the park. Inspired by Keith’s project, Joanna Walters (his wife) started her own year-long project in 2018, creating one original wood-carved lettering design each week for 52 weeks. They each found their respective projects deeply rewarding, and are now excited to create that same opportunity for other artists and makers. A portion of the profits from each sale of the annual Keith Walters Photography Calendar will be used to create this grant in the amount of $1,500.