Through Polish-American Eyes The Art of Alice Wadowski-Bak TOURING EXHIBITION The daughter of immigrant parents, artist Alice Wadowski-Bak (1935-2008) grew up in a thriving Catholic, Polish-American community in Niagara Falls, NY. Throughout her life, Bak created numerous works that drew inspiration from the rich seasonal and liturgical customs and the traditional arts that had surrounded her. Offering examples of Bak’s work in different media–paintings, line drawings, and traditional paper-cuts (wycinanki), Through Polish- American Eyes is largely arranged to follow the annual seasonal celebrations of Polish- Americans, both sacred and secular, that take place in parish churches and family homes. The show, as a whole, demonstrates Bak’s deep engagement with religious and Polish-American identity. Lavishly detailed, the featured black and white illustrations and cheerful paintings teem with references to specific material culture and customary practice. The delicate, lace-like wycinanki give beautiful form to traditional verbal arts–Polish folktales and proverbs. They were originally created as illustrations for two collections of Polish folklore compiled by researcher Joanne Asala, Polish Folklore and Myth (Penfield Press 2001) and Polish Proverbs (Penfield Press 1995). Barbara Frackiewicz, a friend and fellow artist of Bak’s, reminds us that “culture lends a framework for experiencing life–for celebrating, for worshipping, for being.” Culture also trains our eyes, giving historical significance to color, line and form. Bak’s work has the power to evoke continuity within change, pulling other times and places into the present. It transports us, offering us a glimpse of the sustaining beauty made available through collective wisdom and celebration. At once nostalgic and forward- looking, Bak’s illustrations and paper-cuts demonstrate a sharp observation of lived experience touched by a hope for its continued relevance. castellaniartmuseum.org Niagara University, NY 14109-1938 716.286.8200 fax: 716.286.8289 Number of works 77 framed works accompanied by informative text panels Exhibition Space 150-200 running feet Exhibition Period 8-10 weeks Insurance Must be provided by exhibition venue Rental Fee $2,000 plus shipping Publication Full color exhibition brochure included Contact Carrie Hertz Curator of Folk Arts Castellani Art Museum Niagara University, NY 14109 716.286.8290 [email protected] The Flower Queen’s Daughter, 2001, wycinanki (cut paper) Blessed Easter Basket, 2000, ink on paper Child Looking for Star, 1988, ink on paper