New Mural to be Unveiled at The Connection

Niagara University is the host of the 2024 Peace and Justice Studies Association’s annual conference, which will bring more than 300 scholars to Monteagle Ridge Oct. 24-27. This year’s theme is “We Are All Connected: Fostering Intersectionality and Solidarity.” Among the featured events is a Haudenosaunee thanksgiving address and Buddhist Monk chant for peace, a plenary event illuminating the conference theme through the perspective of Indigenous scholars and activists, a tribute to trailblazer Betty Reardon that includes and discusses women involved in international peacebuilding, an Augusto Boal Theatre of the Oppressed interactive session, and a tour of Love Canal with environmental activist and Niagara University alumna Luella Kenny. Members of the Western New York community will also receive awards from the PJSA at the conference for their commitment to justice: Stitch Buffalo will receive the Organizing for Peace and Justice Award, Geraldine Pointer will receive the Social Courage Award, and Jasiah Jackson-Hackett and Charlynn Rivera of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Area will receive the Next Generation Award. Co-sponsoring the conference with Niagara University and its Vincentian Center for Justice are the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and the Mahatma Gandhi Center for Global Nonviolence at James Madison University. The Vincentian Center for Justice is founded on the mission of reimagining what is possible for college students in today’s world. The premise is that college education should have value and meaning, and the VCJ seeks to empower students to achieve their dreams by creating a learning community centered on the pursuit of justice; critically examining the meaning of justice and its denial; imparting knowledge of struggles for justice, past and present; illuminating the intersection and interconnectedness of justice struggles across contexts and levels of human interaction; providing models and tools that will empower students; building a just community premised on equality, cooperation and other shared values; and inspiring the members of our community to pursue their vocations as advocates for justice. To learn more about the events and sponsoring organizations, contact Dr. Dave Reilly, co-chair of the PJSA conference committee and co-director of the Vincentian Center for Justice, at dreilly@niagara.edu or 716-286-8108. A complete listing of panel participants, individual presentation topics, and additional details can be found at www.peacejusticestudies.org/conference/2024-conference-schedule/ . The Peace and Justice Studies Association serves as a professional association for scholars in the field of peace and conflict studies. PJSA is dedicated to bringing together academics, educators and activists to explore alternatives to violence and share visions and strategies for peacebuilding, social justice and social change. The nonprofit organization formed in 2001 as a result of a merger of the Consortium on Peace Research, Education, and Development, established in 1970, and the Peace Studies Association, established in 1987. 

Harriet Tubman Traveling Monument installed at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

"A Place to Grow," a new mural, has been completed at Harry F. Abate Elementary School in Niagara Falls, NY, as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. This project brought together school staff, parents, students, and artists Kristy McCarthy, Chris McCarthy, Kaleigh Day, along with volunteers including Mary Jo Edwards, Principal Lynne Tompkins, Vice Principal Allen Cowart, and Freda Cowart. The mural prominently features an open book, highlighting the significance of education and the school's role at the community's core, while also acknowledging the nearby library. Another mural is slated for completion at the school shortly.

The Oakwood Cemetery Association (“Oakwood”), a 501(c)(13) New York not-for-profit corporation, is seeking to retain professional architectural and engineering (A/E) firms and/or teams (the “Consultant”) to provide design, bid, and construction administration and inspection services related to the historic restoration and structural repair of three of its historic buildings, located at 747 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY.

Prophet Isaiah Roberston’s Second Coming House Celebrates Art Preservation Completion & Grand Opening

Apprentice Photographer  Salary: $18/hour Status: Contract Reports to: Director of Public Art The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) is one of 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States. Designated by the United States Congress in 2008, its mission is to preserve, promote, and protect the diverse historic, cultural, and environmental assets of the Niagara region. Background: Enacted by Congress in 2008, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area completed its Management Plan in 2012 and became an independent non-profit organization in 2013. In the past decade, the NFNHA has designed, developed and implemented major community-centric and tourism programs, projects and products. Most notably, the Discover Niagara Shuttle – a free hop-on, hop-off shuttle that was established in 2017 – the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center – the first cultural attraction to open in the City of Niagara Falls in over 35 years that was designed, installed, and opened to the public 2018. These major projects led the way for the NFNHA to position itself as the public arts leader implementing public art and creative placemaking in the Niagara region. In 2019, the NFNHA launched its public art program NF Murals, founded with a $160,000 grant from the New York State Health Foundation. Shortly thereafter the Niagara Falls Heritage Arts program was formed, the official public art Initiative of the NFNHA. The NFNHA has secured close to 1 million dollars for current and forthcoming public art projects in the next three years. This immense growth in creative placemaking has begun to shift the landscape of the City of Niagara Falls and surrounding communities. Taking an equitable and inclusive approach to all projects, the NFNHA believes that art, and access to art opportunities, has the potential to address systemic barriers and generate change. In every initiative, the NFNHA seeks to connect people to the vibrant history of the Niagara region through historic preservation, protecting archives and amplifying the personal stories of people who shaped the NFNHA through their life’s and through their life’s choices. The NFNHA understands that history is not static, but a bridge to the future, where people can impact a place by their life and their life’s work. We believe that interpretation and educational programming guides people to gain a sense of place and be inspired by those around them seeking change today. Position: The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) seeks two part-time Apprentice Photographers for their project Beyond the Murals: Visual Story Sharing in the Highland Community. The Apprentice Photographers will learn photography techniques from the Community Photographer, and assist the Community Photographer in their visual story-sharing work. The Apprentice Photographers will also assist with presenting community workshops and programming. Beyond the Murals Project: Similar to the photography project, “Humans of New York,” this style of documentary includes a portrait of the subject and a transcription of their words. In our project, we will be taking portraits of HighlandCommunity members and asking them about their COVID-19 experience, and what needs their community faces. Scope of Work: There are three main components to this role. The Apprentice Photographers will learn from the Community Photographer photography techniques, visual story sharing methods, and how to present community workshops and programming to the public. Apprentice Photographers will also assist with the community programming directed toward youth and other vulnerable groups, to teach them a new skill and provide positive and instructive social interactions. Finally, Apprentice Photographers will interact with Highland Community members, and encourage them to visually share their stories of how COVID-19 has impacted their lives, and what needs exist in the Highland Community. This role is designed to encompass approximately 6 – 12 hours per week, and will last until August 31, 2024. Additional time on site can be arranged as necessary. Prospective photographers should be comfortable with discussions and interactions with community members. Qualifications: • Must be 18 years of age or older. • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. • Willingness to learn and share with community members. • Experience with photography a plus. Special Requirements: • Ability to travel to and from various locations within the City of Niagara Falls. To Apply: Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter. If candidate has previous photography experience, please include digital portfolio and/or link to website and social media. Incomplete applications will be considered unfavorably. Submit to: Ally Spongr DeGon, Director of Public Art Niagara Falls National Heritage Area ally@discoverniagara.org

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