'Dee Edwards: Portraits in Black' on view at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center

The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center announced its next exhibition, taking place in the Kudela Gallery (second floor) with “Dee Edwards: Portraits in Black.” This exhibition is curated by Ray Robertson, co-director of galleries for the NACC. It is on view June 5 through July 30 at 1201 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls. A reception celebrating Edwards and her artwork is set for 5-7 p.m. Saturday, June 11.

Of “Portraits in Black,” Robertson said “As the curator of this exhibition, I am both pleased and excited to introduce a series of one-woman exhibits, beginning with Dee Edwards – an artist of such skill and power. I am sure the warmth and insight of her portraiture will speak to all of us, as it has spoken to me.” 

Dorthea (Dee) Edwards is a contemporary visual artist and native of Buffalo. She studied graphic design at Daemen College, and transferred to Memphis Academy of Art (Memphis) where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Returning to Buffalo, she continued to explore the fine art aspects of her education and developed an interest in painting. She joined a small group of local artists called Crafts, Arts, Things and Sculpture, which allowed her a platform to exhibit her first set of paintings depicting family life and the inner-city community around her. In 1989, she founded Visually Speaking, her own art and design studio.

Currently, Edwards is a member of the Buffalo African American Museum committee, the Western New York Urban Arts Collective, and Buffalo’s Own Artists and Designers, where she continues to exhibit work. She has participated in various exhibitions, including the University at Buffalo’s “East Side Artists,” the Castellani Art Museum’s “20/20 Vision: Women Artists of Western New York,” and the Annual Artists of Color exhibition at the NACC. 

Gallery Hours for the Townsend Gallery, Kudela Garden Gallery, and permanent exhibits within the building are from noon to 5 p.m. daily, excluding holidays. Additional information for galleries, exhibitions and opportunities can be found at www.thenacc.org.

As the largest multiarts center in upstate New York, the NACC hosts a diverse group of 98 artists and makers, two public art galleries, three theaters, four local history exhibits, a radio station, a certified sound stage and movie production facility, the Niagara Falls High School alumni center, as well as the Starry Night Café & Gift Shop.