Vagabond Bowties founders Michael Beam and Duke Adams (pictured, from left) are participating in the Adopt-a-Highway program. The two "style miesters" took on a portion of Route 104, just past Niagara University on the way to DeVeaux. They will maintain this portion of state-owned Lewiston roadway.
The Vagabond brand is a line of fashion-forward bow ties. Beam and Adams specialize in taking made-in-the-USA repurposed materials and crafting them into individually cut and hand-coutured bow ties. The business partners have participated in several local festivals and events, where both customers and fashion admirers have met them with praise.
To learn more about Vagabond Bowties, including its tie-of-the-month club and specialty products, visit
www.vagabondbowties.com.
Beam and his bow ties.
He has worked at the Castellani Art Museum since 2003.
"Every year we are amazed by the number of nominations and all the wonderful artistic work being done in our community," ASI Interim Executive Director Jen Swan said.
An award-winning artist, author, curator, educator and public speaker, Beam has spent more than 26 years as a museum professional and practicing artist.
Beam built robust relationships with renowned regional collectors in Erie and Niagara counties, implementing ongoing exhibition programs such as "Western New York Collects" (2012-17), which highlighted the work of visual artists with local connections who have gained significant national and international recognition.
In 2016, in coordination with CAM director Kate Koperski, Beam conceived of, developed and launched "NUArts," a university-sponsored arts engagement program designed to bring more public art, events and happenings onto campus and into the community.