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Alumnus' works of art currently on display
By Joseph Losito
On April 8, 2012
Local artist and Buffalo State alumnus Zachary Boehler's artwork can be seen at the Buffalo
Botanical Gardens where he has metal sculptures on display.
The sculptures are titled "When the Maps Failed Us." They are a collection of five large
spheres made out of bent metal rods. The spheres vary in size from two to five-and-a-half
feet tall.
Inside of each sphere is a two-dimensional metal cutout of a person in a falling position.
The overall meaning behind the sculptures is the moments in life when the proverbial "rug"
is pulled out from under you, Boehler said. This exhibit has been at the Botanical Gardens
for about two months. These steel sculptures took weeks to weld, cut and bend by hand,
Boehler said.
Boehler creates traditional art such as paintings, but his primary outlet is metal sculptures.
His work has been shown in Buffalo art galleries, such as his exhibit last summer at the Big
Orbit Gallery.
The other non-metal artwork that was presented in his show last year at the Big Orbit
Gallery was oil paint on canvas. These paintings were paired with light wood panels that
had vinyl text on them. Boehler said the paintings and wood panels shared the theme of
missing out on life experiences because of distraction.
"A perfect example is when you go out to a bar and see a bunch of people sitting with each
other, yet they're all on their phones," Boehler said. "Think of the experiences those people
are missing out on because they are distracted. I must admit I'm guilty of it too."
His artwork thus far has left great impressions on one former professor.
"Last summer he had an exhibition at the Big Orbit Gallery in Buffalo which was lovely,"
said Shirley Hayes, Buffalo State art education chair and associate professor. "From what
I've seen, some of his work is really monumental. He's establishing a very nice track
record."
Boehler is a 2008 graduate of the art education department at Buffalo State. He splits his
time between his work and teaching art through the Ashford Hollow Foundation at the
Essex Arts Center in Buffalo. This foundation strives to improve visual and performing arts
and establish art education for local youth.
Along with creating artwork, the Essex Arts Center also has Boehler work with children in
the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo. Boehler said this allows him to help expose students to
art forms they would not be able to see in their own schools. Boehler travels to different
schools in the area to teach, along with holding workshops in the Essex Arts Center and
Griffis Park.
"He's an artist and an educator," said Candace Masters, an assistant professor in the Buffalo
State art education program. "What I think makes him exceptional is that he is able to
balance being a working artist and also an art educator."
The center has Boehler teach students art techniques such as metal casting and sculpture.
By working for the Ashford Hollow Foundation, Boehler said he is able to use facilities at
Griffis Sculpture Park just outside of Ellicottville. The 450-acre park is one of the largest
and oldest sculpture parks in America.
"The Ashford Hollow Foundation owns and operates Griffis Sculpture Park and the Essex
Arts Center," Boehler said. "Having those two different spaces makes our teaching non-
traditional, so we use non-traditional methods. We are some of the only people around who
do this level of metalworking, which kind of became our specialty."
Non-traditional methods range from casting molten metal, plasma cutting and welding
demonstrations. Students can watch demonstrations and then try their hand at what they
were just taught, Boehler said.
Boehler said he has no current plans for future art exhibits. Instead, he intends to focus
on his teaching. He is also preparing to help open Griffis Park in May. The details for these
classes and events can be found at www.griffispark.org.
Even through his accomplishments Boehler remains humble, taking time to acknowledge
his schooling and teachers that have helped him.
"I came here through Buffalo State," Boehler said. "I wouldn't have this job if it wasn't for
my professors having connections to the local art scene. I had to do some volunteer work as
part of a class, and after volunteering for a while they brought me on as full time staff."
For comments on this story contact bscrecord@gmail.com.
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