"Terrakwa: Where Memory, Place, and Water Meet" Exhibit Opening

This exhibition explores the Erie Canal, not just as something from history, but as a place that’s alive and changing. The collaborative artists Paul Bartow and Richard Metzgar used interviews, maps, and research to show how people and nature interact with the canal today. Their work depicts the canal as a vibrant, diverse, and active place.

Terrakwa shares stories from people who live, work, and spend their time along the Erie Canal. These personal stories help us understand the many roles the canal plays as a workplace, a spot for recreation, and as a natural habitat. The artists also included unique drawings made by trees along the canal. These drawings were created naturally over time by weather and wind, showing how nature and humans both shape the environment.

This exhibition celebrates the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial (2017–2025), highlighting the canal’s importance both in the past and today. Visitors are invited to think about how the canal continues to affect people and the environment, and how it might change in the future.

This exhibit opening is a free event and open to the public.

You may also like the following events from The Buffalo History Museum:

• Next Tuesday, 12th August, 11:00 am, Memory Cafe in Buffalo
• Next Thursday, 14th August, 05:30 pm, Members BTS Tour in Buffalo
• Next Friday, 15th August, 10:00 am, M&T Third Friday in Buffalo

Also check out other Exhibitions in Buffalo, Arts events in Buffalo, Fine Arts events in Buffalo.