Sarah Jane Barry; “The Dragons in Our Lives”, August 23 – October 11, 2024

Buffalo Arts Studio is excited to present an exhibition of new work by Sarah Jane Barry titled The Dragons in Our Lives. Sarah Jane Barry is a mixed media artist working in Buffalo, NY whose love of painting was born during the pandemic in 2020. Making artwork gives Barry a sense of purpose during this strange and confusing time. She believes painting can function as a meditative process, providing a break from the monotony of day-to-day life and a chance to relinquish control.

The Dragons in Our Lives is on display August 23–October 11, 2024, with an opening reception on Friday, August 23, 5:00–8:00 pm. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. The artist will speak briefly about her work starting at 6:00 pm.

The Dragons in Our Lives was originally scheduled to be exhibited at BOX Gallery in the Hostel Buffalo-Niagara at 667 Main St. in Buffalo, NY. On April 10, 2024, the City of Buffalo condemned the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency building, which adjoins the back of the Hostel, shut off the electricity, and then condemned the Hostel. Before its closure, the Hostel Buffalo-Niagara provided about 6,000 travelers with a safe and affordable place to stay in downtown Buffalo while also serving as an art gallery and performance space. 

“BOX gallery is quite literally a small box. The nature of the space is to push artists to experiment in ways they may not have previously considered. In the spirit of BOX gallery, my show, The Dragons in Our Lives, has pushed me past my comfort zone. This show has been an experimental journey in playing with my strengths and working towards moving into uncharted territory for me: three-dimensional art. I have spent many evenings at BOX gallery openings and am honored that my show will close out the amazing 10-year run, at least until BOX finds a new home. I am extremely grateful that Buffalo Art Studio has agreed to host my show. I feel thankful to be supported by two powerful Buffalo institutions that have greatly shaped the vibrant and unique Buffalo art community,” states Exhibiting Artist, Sarah Jane Barry.

“As it currently stands, Sarah Jane Barry’s solo show, The Dragons in Our Lives will mark the final installment of BOX, completing 10 years of experimental art exhibitions, happenings, and performances by local artists of all levels and vehicles,” JP Piret, the Managing Director of Hostel Buffalo-Niagara, states.

“With the future of Hostel Buffalo-Niagara still in sway, including BOX and all of its vital programming, our building sits idle and dark in the theater district. We still believe there is hope. Lots of hard work is being done behind the scenes to revive the Hostel so it may continue to be an affordable place to stay and an accessible creative space in our community.

Regardless of the outcome, we are extremely thankful to Buffalo Arts Studio for hosting this exhibition, to Sarah Jane for presenting our final show, and to all the artists, musicians, dancers, poets, and performers who have graced the space with their talents over the past decade,” Piret concludes.

Press Release available here.