Beacons of cultural significance

Art is important. It’s one of the first languages we learn to connect with others and express our emotions.

Galleries serve as the platform for artists to present their work to the public.

Researchers have found that art is essential to the human experience. True understanding of human history and conversation is dedicated to the arts, especially for younger people.

The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is nested in the heart of Rochester, New York. Established in 1913, the MAG fosters a deep appreciation for the arts, connecting people across generations. Due to this space, residents and visitors can immerse themselves in a world of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and more.

Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester, Photo Credit: Hanna Butcher, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

With a collection of over 12,000 art pieces spanning over a wide range of artistic styles and time periods the gallery brings in people of all different backgrounds.

Love’s Mirror, created by Nicola Cantalamessa-Papotti, 1875, Photo Credit: Hanna Butcher, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

Allegory of Hearing, Jan Brueghel the Elder, 1581, Photo Credit: Hanna Butcher, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

“The MAG is my favorite art gallery to visit,” said Sam Nickerson, 23, a SUNY Brockport University alumni. “I love seeing the craftsmanship of art displayed up close. It gives me a similar feeling of excitement that I had when I displayed my own installation at Brockport.”

The Rainbow Gallery, SUNY Brockport University, Photo Credit: Hanna Butcher, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023

“I was in the BFA program,” said Nickerson. “For my final project I had an installation set up in the Rainbow Gallery. It was an honor to present my work and be able to watch viewers appreciate and interpret my art in different ways.”

Trevor Slusarenco, Ashlyn Hotchkiss and Sam Nickerson, Rainbow Gallery, SUNY Brockport University, April 18, 2022.

The community welcomes the representation of art.

Olivia Ross, 64, is a local in the Rochester area who enjoys taking her loved ones to art galleries like the MAG. “My granddaughter has never been to the Memorial Art Gallery so I figured this would be a nice surprise,” said Ross. “I took my grandson when he was younger and he loved it, now it’s time for her to take on the experience. She loves art history so bringing her to the city to see a big display was perfect for her birthday.”

Statue of Venus Obliterated by Infinity Nets, created by Yayoi Kusama, 1998, Photo Credit: Hanna Butcher, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

The MAG is highlighting women artists, this is the first piece that you see when you walk in. “I think it’s a great influence for her to see art created by women displayed throughout the gallery,” said Ross. “I’m hoping she feels inspired by these works.”

Nancy and Alan Cameros Gallery, American Art, 1750-1900, Photo Credit: Hanna Butcher, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

“This reminds me of the kind of art that my father would make,” said Joseph Cullie, 49, a guest visiting the MAG. “He was really into sketching soldiers and war. I think he’d like seeing the art displayed here if he were still around.”

Art connects people through a personal experience.

Yayoi Kusama brought her own personal 60 second experience with her art installation room at the MAG.

Infinity Mirrored Room – Let’s Survive Forever, by Yayoi Kusama, 2017. Photo Credit: Hanna Butcher, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

This room allows others to have a unique experience unlike anything else, allowing viewers to connect with her themed work of repetition and obliteration. The room is filled with what feels like infinite silver spheres and mirrors, making the room feel much larger than it really is.

Art is essential. Galleries serve as beacons for cultural significance. Whether big or small art galleries, they inspire, educate and unite communities together.