Live art, music & community: 'Party on the Portico' returns to Castellani Art Museum

Annual summer celebration features live art, music, artist conversations – plus, relaunch of CAM Gift Shop

Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University press release & photo

The Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University (CAM) invites members, friends and the wider Western New York community to gather for “Party on the Portico,” the museum’s annual summer celebration, from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 25.

Set against the backdrop of CAM’s iconic portico and current summer exhibitions, the evening brings together art, music, conversation and community in one of the museum’s most anticipated annual traditions. Whether guests are longtime members, returning friends, or discovering CAM for the first time, “Party on the Portico” offers a welcoming opportunity to connect with the museum while celebrating the power of creativity and cultural exchange.

This year’s event will feature live music by pianist Kevin Clark, light bites generously sponsored by the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, and a series of plein air-style live art demonstrations by regional artists Kath Schifano, Doug Mess, John Sauter and Joel Mulindwa. Throughout the evening, visitors will have the rare opportunity to watch each artist create an original work in real time, offering an intimate look into their unique artistic processes and creative approaches.

The partnership with the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute reflects the shared belief that creativity flourishes when disciplines come together.

“The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute has always believed that great food and great art belong together in the community,” said Emily Lonigan, director of community education at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. “Partnering with the Castellani Art Museum for “Party on the Portico” is a natural extension of that commitment. Getting our students out of the classroom and into the cultural life of this region is central to everything we do, and we are proud to help make this celebration possible.”

Through this collaboration, guests will enjoy culinary offerings prepared with the same spirit of creativity and craftsmanship that defines the evening’s artistic experiences.

A special highlight of the evening will be an artist conversation moderated by CAM Interim Director Michael Beam. The discussion will bring together the participating artists to explore their distinctive styles, inspirations and approaches to creating artwork live before an audience. Guests will gain insight into how each artist interpreted the experience of painting and drawing on-site and learn more about the role observation, spontaneity and place play in their work.

The artworks created during “Party on the Portico” will live on beyond the event. Following the celebration, each piece will be reproduced as part of a limited-edition print collection available for purchase through CAM’s newly reimagined gift shop. Visitors will have the option to purchase individual prints or collect the complete series, bringing home a lasting reminder of this unique evening at the museum.

“Party on the Portico” marks the public relaunch of the CAM gift shop, which has been thoughtfully reimagined as a destination for artful gifts, original artwork, exhibition-inspired merchandise, and seasonal offerings from local and regional artists. Located adjacent to the Sculpture Court, the refreshed shop will feature rotating selections throughout the year, aligned with CAM’s exhibitions, programs, and issues of The CAM Magazine. New additions debuting this summer include works by participating “Party on the Portico” artists and other regional creatives.

In keeping with CAM’s ongoing lifetime membership initiative, the museum will also honor artist Kath Schifano, whose work is represented in CAM’s permanent collection. Schifano will receive a lifetime membership in recognition of her artistic contributions and lasting impact on the museum’s collection and community. The initiative continues CAM’s commitment to celebrating the artists whose work helps define the cultural landscape of Western New York.

“ ‘Party on the Portico’ embodies everything that makes CAM special,” Beam said. “It brings together artists, members, students and the community in a way that is accessible, engaging and inspiring. It’s a celebration of the creative energy that continues to thrive throughout our region.”
Admission is $5 for the general public and free for CAM members, Niagara University students, faculty and staff. For more information or to register, visit castellaniartmuseum.org. Register at https://www.simpletix.com/e/party-on-the-portico-a-members-and-friends-tickets-271493.

“Party on the Portico” is presented with generous support from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

More about the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute: Located at 28 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls, NFCI is a 90,000-square-foot training facility operated by SUNY Niagara. It features state-of-the-art kitchens, a student-run restaurant, a European-style café, and a Barnes & Noble bookstore.

More about Castellani Art Museum: With learning and public access at the heart of its mission, CAM is a premiere resource for the visual arts in Niagara County. The museum’s permanent collection includes over 5,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art, Niagara Falls art, and regional folk arts. CAM is committed to the preservation of these artworks, along with offering exhibitions and programs that serve the campus, local communities, and tourists. For more information on CAM, visit castellaniartmuseum.org, and follow CAM’s Facebook page, X @CAM_of_NU and Instagram @CastellaniArtMuseum.