The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) recognizes the generosity of Sara Baker Michalak, a local artist with a passion for the environment, for her recent donation. Earlier this year the Fredonia Technology Incubator was host to her latest show: Metaphysical, an exhibition of mixed media paintings and collages. Sara donated a portion of the sales from this exhibit to the NCCF’s Northern Chautauqua Environmental Fund.
“My art comes from great experiences outdoors. You may see the familiar in these works like flowers, for example, or imagery more on the abstract side – nature’s moods and the seasons of a place such as contrasting light and dark, layered texture, earthy color. Either way, I would like the work to contribute to conversations about all that the natural world holds, how fragile it can be and the importance of caring for it. Of course, simply seeing the work as it is – “art for art sake” – is fine too,” explained Sara Baker Michalak.
Sara grew up in Western New York. Her educational credits include a BFA from the School for American Crafts, in Rochester, N.Y. and an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies (Nature and Culture) from the State University of New York at Fredonia. Her work has been on exhibit throughout this area including the New York’s American Craft Museum, and the Albright Knox Art Gallery and Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo. She has provided opportunities for new arts experiences to students in public schools and for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Thank you, Sara, for your amazing art and for your contribution to the Northern Chautauqua Environmental Fund. Visit the NCCF’s Environmental Fund page on our website for additional information, www.nccfoundation.org/environmental-fund.
The NCCF, incorporated in 1986, is a tax-exempt charitable organization. Since its establishment, the NCCF has distributed more than $14 million in the community through its various grant programs. It is an organization inherently committed to enriching the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. For more information on the NCCF, visit www.nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.
