Buffalo Society of Artists presents 2026 'Thumb Box' exhibition, marking 135 years

Buffalo Society of Artists press release

The Buffalo Society of Artists invites the art community and public to celebrate the opening season of the 135th anniversary of the formation of the BSA at the opening reception of the 2026 “Thumb Box” exhibition at 6 p.m. Friday, March 13.

The “Thumb Box,” first established in 1907 under the tenure of Mrs. John Clark Genny (nee Alice Russell), has been a standing tradition of the BSA for over 100 years, and is offered every five years coinciding with anniversary exhibitions celebrations. Entries are limited to a maximum size of 9-by-12 inches, challenging the participating artists to high standards of excellence and detail. 

In honor of the 135th anniversary of the BSA, and the 125th anniversary of Meibohm Fine Arts, the 2026 “Thumb Box” will be held at Meibohm Fine Arts at 478 Main St., East Aurora. Juror Grace Meibohm is the third-generation owner of the 125-year-old family art business. A graduate of Daemen College in fine art – and with plenty of hands-on experience with her father, Walter, Meibohm has grown the service-orientated gallery and frame shop to feature regular exhibitions of established and emerging regional artists, and a continually expanding reference of contemporary and historical artists.

Just 77 pieces of work were selected for exhibition out of 138 submissions, representing the finest small work the BSA has to offer. Works range from traditional realism to photography to modern non-traditional work to sculpture, created by 48 BSA exhibiting-level artists. 

Artist awards will be presented at the opening reception Friday, March 13. An additional artists reception will be held from 3-6 p.m. March 28. The “Thumb Box” is on view through April 18.

Follow along on social media (@buffalosocietyofartists @meibohmfinearts), and learn more about the Buffalo Society of Artists and the “Thumb Box” at www.buffalosocietyofartists.org and www.meibohmfinearts.com.