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Capturing a lifetime in one exhibit is a challenge we embrace .

The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area gears up for the awe-inspiring total eclipse on April 8th, 2024 with a stunning, eclipse-themed wrap adorning one of its Discover Niagara Shuttles. This exciting initiative is made possible thanks to a generous grant from AES. The unique artwork, titled "Eclipse!" by Orchard Park artist Christina Francis, depicts a mythical sea creature rising from the mighty Niagara Falls, reaching towards the sun. Inspired by the rich tapestry of cultural stories that explore the relationship between humans and nature, Francis' creation adds a touch of artistic whimsy to the scientific marvel of the eclipse. "We're thrilled to showcase Christina's captivating artwork on the Discover Niagara Shuttle thanks to the support of AES," says Sara Capen, Executive Director of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. "This total eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the themed shuttle reflects the excitement and wonder surrounding this celestial event." The Discover Niagara Shuttle will operate throughout the eclipse period, offering a convenient and scenic transportation option for visitors flocking to the region to witness this extraordinary phenomenon.  Eclipse Shuttle Schedule: Falls to Fort Route: Thursday, April 4th – Monday, April 8th (8:30 am – 5:40 pm) The Falls to Fort Route connects Niagara Falls, Lewiston, and Youngstown. Four Mile Creek Campground Loop: Thursday, April 4th – Monday, April 8th (9:00 am – 6:00 pm) The Four Mile Creek Campground Loop connects those staying at the campground to Youngstown, where they can also connect to the Falls to Fort shuttles to access Niagara Falls and Lewiston. For more information on the Discover Niagara Shuttle schedule and the upcoming total eclipse, please visit the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area website at discoverniagara.org . About The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and Discover Niagara Shuttle ​​The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is one of 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States. Designated by the United States Congress in 2008, its mission is to preserve, protect and promote the historic, natural and cultural resources of the area stretching from Niagara Falls to Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, New York. Launched in 2016, the Discover Niagara Shuttle is a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle service that seamlessly connects visitors and residents across Niagara County. This convenient and reliable transportation system allows exploration of iconic landmarks like Niagara Falls and hidden gems like Lewiston, Lockport, and Youngstown. About AES The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we're improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence, while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today. For more information, visit www.aes.com . About Christina Francis Christina Francis is an artist based in Orchard Park, NY, specializing in acrylic paintings, needle felting, and photography. Her attire often bears traces of paint. Her artistic style is characterized by its brightness and vibrancy, capturing the energy and personality of subjects through saturated colors and playful lines. Animals are a recurring and beloved subject in her work. Comfortable with projects of varying sizes, including mural work, her portfolio boasts a diverse range of projects for both individuals and organizations. More information can be found at https://www.averyandharlowprints.com .

Wanted: Community Project Photograher

The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of a Rail to Trail Master Plan for approximately 13 miles of the former Somerset Rail Line located in Eastern Niagara County and the municipalites of Somerset, Newfane and Lockport. Please note the deadline has been extended to April 23, 2024.

The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design and creation art that will be showcased on one Discover Niagara Shuttle vehicle and additional promotional materials during the Total Solar Eclipse event and programming from April 4-8, 2024.

The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) is issuing two Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) for public art projects at Abate Elementary.

(Niagara Falls, NY) – The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is thrilled to announce the installation of a new public art project at the former Jenss Department Store on Main Street in Niagara Falls. The installation, Women of Niagara, made possible through funding from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative, showcases 86 artworks by renowned local artist, Polly King. Polly King was a prolific artist in Niagara Falls throughout the 20th century who created thousands of artworks throughout her lifetime. She painted the world around her, from the creation and building of the New York State Power Project, scenes from her adopted hometown of Niagara Falls, to abstract works. However, it is her Portrait Collection that is the focus of this new outdoor public art installation. Polly King painted over 450 portraits throughout her life in a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, representing an amazing cross section of Niagara Falls society in the 20th century. Polly’s portraits present an artistic anthropological study of the community of Niagara Falls, and 74 of those portraits are showcased in the windows of the Jenss building. Dr. Robin King, granddaughter of Polly, said, “These portraits of women in Niagara Falls from the 1940s through the 1970s chronicle a piece of the social history of our city during its days of economic vibrancy. This installation is a great opportunity to take an under-utilized old building and bring it to life with Polly’s portraits of women from the area done when this building was a major destination on Main Street.” “In creating these timeless portraits of women, Polly gave us an indelible gift that builds an intersection between place and people. Each of the women featured was a part of Niagara Falls and has a story that is embedded in their own talent, dreams and life,” shared Sara Capen, Executive Director of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. “By connecting them to the iconic Jenss building, a place filled with memory and stories, this project breathes life into Main Street and gives us a peek into the past while posing a question about its future. What does a vibrant and revitalized Main Street look like? Imagine the possibilities.” The Jenss Department Store building, located at 1708 Main Street, in Niagara Falls, New York, was built in 1916 by the Jenss family. The Jenss Department Store saw decades of prosperity as a hub for shopping and community activity, and was an anchor in the booming and vibrant commercial district that the North End was known for. The Jenss Department store ultimately closed their Main Street location in 1995, along with the long stretch of Main Street businesses that succumbed to city-wide economic decline and urban renewal, leaving Main Street void of commercial activity. “Many residents have fond memories of growing up around Main Street, and we hear often of Sunday strolls, delicious local cuisine – notably The Royal Chef which was located next to Jenss for many years, late bar nights, and favorite holiday shopping experiences at Jenss and beyond,” said, Ally Spongr DeGon, Director of Public Art for Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. “Our public art work generates new and creative ways and places to share these stories, while activating spaces to encourage visions for the future of Main Street.” Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Once again demonstrating the incredible value and work of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, this project highlights the unique history and stories of Niagara Falls to grow understanding and dialogue while also enriching the look and feel of the City for residents and visitors alike.” Saladin Allah, Director of Community Engagement for the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center added, “We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of a renaissance that is boldly shaping our city’s arts and cultural heritage ecosystem." The public art installation is featured on the exterior windows of the building and viewing is accessible from Main Street and Division Avenue. Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike and take in the grandeur and boldness of the artworks in the unique setting of the historic Jenss building. A corresponding exhibit will be opening to the public on Saturday, December 2nd from 2 PM to 5 PM, located at 2351 Whirlpool Avenue. More details to follow. This project is made possible through funding from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the exhibit is made possible through the support of the Polly King Art Gallery and King family. For more information about this project, as well as other Niagara Falls National Heritage Area initiatives, please visit discoverniagara.org. You can find the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area on Facebook and Instagram at @FindYourNiagara. About Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and Public Art The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is one of 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States. Designated by the United States Congress in 2008, its mission is to preserve, protect and promote the historic, natural and cultural resources of the area stretching from Niagara Falls to Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, New York. The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area facilitates partnerships between artists, public and private organizations, and community members and stakeholders to envision and create public art, impacting the cultural landscape with pieces that reflect and honor the history and legacy of Niagara Falls. To date, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area has facilitated over 40 public art projects in Niagara Falls. Learn more at discoverniagara.org.

BUFFALO, N.Y.,- The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), in collaboration with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, is seeking local artists to submit proposals for art that will be showcased on NFTA-Metro busses in honor of Black History Month. The theme is “Black History of Western New York”and artists are encouraged to be creative and inspiring. Images should be eye-catching, engaging, colorful and should be reflective of “Black History of WNY. Submitted artwork can be new or existing. Upon selection, the Grand Prize winner will be paid a flat fee of $1,500 for their artistic contribution. Due date for the artwork is Friday, December 1, 2023 Project Specifications • The ability to create and submit high-quality digital files is required. • Artwork is to be designed for full-color digital image for printing on vinyl to be applied on an NFTA-Metro bus. • The selected artist can create the imagery in any medium, but the artwork must be submitted using these applications and file types: • Adobe CC or illustrator (ai|eps|pdf) CMYK • InDesign (indd|pdf) CMYK Photoshop (psd|eps|) CMYK • If the image includes fonts, they must be outlined within the artwork. • All layout files must be packaged and bundled to include all linked images and fonts. The final selection will be made by a committee chosen by NFTA. Selected artist will be able to provide any revisions for reproduction.Other artist’s work may be used on NFTA’s social media platforms. All copyrights reserved for NFTA. Submission Requirements Artists are required to submit the following for consideration(Maximum of 2 designs): 1. Name 2. Address 3. Phone 4. Email 5. Title of image 6. Description of proposed artwork 7. Bio, social media link, website 8. Submitted using: Adobe CC or illustrator (ai|eps|pdf) CMYK/ InDesign (indd|pdf) CMYK Photoshop (psd|eps|) CMYK 9. Save file as: firstname_lastname_NFTA_BHM_Proposal.jpg(jpeg) 10. Send to ally@discoverniagara.org Timeline The deadline for submissions is December 01, 2023, by midnight. Beginning December 4, 2023 submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee from the NFTA. The winner will be notified of their submission status by December 8, 2023. *NFTA reserves the right to refuse any inappropriate content. Contact For general inquires or questions regarding this Call for Artists, please contact: Email subject (NFTA BHM) Ally Spongr ally@discoverniagara.org Phone: 716- 300-8477 The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is partnering with the NFTA to assist with the planning and implementation of the Black History Month Art Project. Thousands will see this piece of art as it will grace the streets of Western New York. Within this space, there is an opportunity to contribute positively to the daily experience of the many people who utilize the NFTA-Metro services. By creating a vibrant and inspiring artwork for our bus, we hope to generate feelings of pride. Subsequently, the addition of this piece of work will continue to expand the growth of NFTA-Metro’s public art experiences and to spotlight local artists.

New Mural to be Unveiled at The Connection (Niagara Falls, NY) – The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is excited to unveil a new mural at The Connection on Saturday, October 7th. This mural, made possible through the funding from New York Downtown Revitalization Initiative, was completed by renowned Western New York artist Chuck Tingley, and is located at 1700 Main Street in Niagara Falls. The Connection serves as a safe space for teenagers in the city, and fosters an environment for socializing, building skills, and partaking in activities. “I’m honored that The Connection was chosen for this project,” stated Shayla Benson, Senior Manager of Outreach & Education at Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, which oversees The Connection program. “The mural embodies every youth in Niagara Falls and beyond. Chuck Tingley is a genius, and I am thrilled that The Connection gets to view and celebrate this masterpiece every day.” Saladin Allah, Public Projects Coordinator for the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and Director of Community Engagement at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, voiced that “The absence of public art in our city has been our evidence of opportunity, and we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of a renaissance that is boldly shaping our city’s arts and cultural heritage ecosystem.” "I'm honored to be included in the Niagara Falls public art movement, specifically here at The Connection building and what they represent,” shared mural artist Chuck Tingley. “[It is] a place for the youth that's open daily for them to congregate, play games, and to learn and grow. My hope is that my mural encapsulates that same spirit - as it starts with the youth.” The mural unveiling is open to the public, and will start at 11 AM. Light refreshments will be available. Now’s the Time is part of Niagara Falls National Heritage Area’s Heritage Arts Initiative, NF Murals, and is funded through a grant from New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. For more information about this project, as well as other Niagara Falls National Heritage Area initiatives, please visit discoverniagara.org. You can find the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area on Facebook and Instagram at @FindYourNiagara. About Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and Public Art The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is one of 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States. Designated by the United States Congress in 2008, its mission is to preserve, protect and promote the historic, natural and cultural resources of the area stretching from Niagara Falls to Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, New York. The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area facilitates partnerships between artists, public and private organizations, and community members and stakeholders to envision and create public art, impacting the cultural landscape with pieces that reflect and honor the history and legacy of Niagara Falls. Learn more at discoverniagara.org. About The Connection The Connection, a program of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, was developed in partnership and community with Niagara Falls youth and families. It is open year-round to individuals aged 11-18. Learn more at ppmoxie.org/the-connection . About Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York Parenthood Planned of Central and Western New York protects and provides health care and education that empowers individuals and families. With respect. Without judgment. No matter what. We envision a community where everyone has autonomy over their bodies and choices as a basic human right. We welcome everyone to enter safely through our doors and leave emotionally and physically healthier.