Charles E Burchfield Nature and Art Center Front Sign

A little over a calendar week ago, while taking my dogs to "Dog Isle," I noticed a warning sign by SOLitude Lake Management LLC, stating that the waterbody surrounding the isle was going to be treated with Aquathol K and Aquathol Super Grand pesticides to control the invasive species Hydrilla, which is constitute in the Tonawanda Creek section of the Erie Canal. The sign warned that during the days of treatment, at that place should be no pond in the waters.

Equally a precaution, I decided to take some time before visiting the dog park, since my pups dearest to frolic in (and drink) the water. It was my wife who suggested a 20-minute excursion (from Allentown) to the Charles Eastward. Burchfield Nature & Fine art Center (BNAC), located in West Seneca. "The what?" I asked her.

Incredibly, I was not aware that at that place was a local park that was dedicated to the prolific WNY creative person. With that, nosotros hopped into the auto and ready out for an take a chance. And what an adventure information technology turned out to exist. From the moment that nosotros arrived to the time that nosotros left – almost a two hr bridge – we had an absolutely wonderful hike through the park.

The park itself is a feast for anyone who loves the great outdoors, the wood, picnicking, nature, art, history… there'due south so much to take in. Not only is this park very dog-friendly, it'south also one of the more kid-friendly parks that I take come across. From the large playground at the entrance, to an assortment of interactive "treasure hunts," I was impressed by the family unit-oriented nature of the park. There's so much to explore, enough of places to sit in the shade, seating areas, gardens, meadows, an amphitheater, wayfinding markers, QR codes, and a creek.

We ended up taking my mother-in-law on this adventure, due to the ease of the hiking trails, boardwalks, a shaded pergola, and the fine art component. It turns out that Charles Burchfield lived nearby and would come to the site – originally part of the Buffalo Creek Reservation – for inspiration and to paint. There'due south a historical timeline that is spelled out in a handy brochure, which begins with the Seneca Nation reservation (and their honey and respect for nature), then home to German settlers in 1843, the site of Isle Park Hotel in the 1900's, and finally the BNAC in 1998. There's also a small cemetery on the grounds, called Middle Ebenezer Cemetery.

Aside from the 2-miles of nature trails, the park itself is 29 acres, with nineteen acres being accessible by the public. There is also a BNAC Gallery and classroom edifice, which is situated near the entrance to the park. I learned on the BNAC website that the gallery has been closed since 2017 due to the need for structural repairs, which is unfortunate considering it would be such a delight to see it functional (with a minor café maybe?).

Despite the gallery edifice being closed, there were plenty of other park assets to relish. There are also restrooms for anyone looking to make a pitstop.

Towards the end of our hike (stroll), nosotros came across the "Sinisteria" art installation by artist Frank O'Connor. This is a very vivid and colorful lean-to type of shelter, mainly synthetic from dead branches collected at the park. The inside of the installation is quite magical, as the sun illuminates the structure's riveted plates, creating a most ethereal effect.

Aside from reading all of the Burchfield wayfinding placards, and drawing inspiration from the artist'southward human relationship with the setting, I found myself mesmerized by the ancient waters of Buffalo Creek (Seneca Creek), although I was equally unimpressed by the corporeality of what appears to exist didymo (d idymosphenia geminata ) aka "stone snot." The presence of the slimy brown algae that cakes onto the riverbed underfoot makes for some treacherous walking, so exist very careful if you venture out into the waters.

Bated from the "rock snot" and the gallery closure, everything else near the park was remarkable. We found information technology informative and relaxing, with surprises effectually every corner. I highly recommend paying this Nature & Art Middle a visit. To a small degree, information technology reminded me of beingness immature and visiting Artpark dorsum in the day. I love the combination of art and nature as a premise for a park. I also dearest that there is such a spellbinding dedication to Charles Burchfield, whose legacy can be seen in every tree and meadow along the creek.

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BNAC is cared for by Friends of the Burchfield Nature & Art Centre

2001 Union Rd | West Seneca , NY 14224-1436

Open dawn to dusk

Website

burchfieldnac@gmail.com

716-677-4843

Newell Nussbaumer is 'queenseyes' - Eyes of the Queen City and Founder of Buffalo Rising. Co-founder Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts. Co-founder Powder Keg Festival that built the earth'due south largest water ice maze (Guinness Book of World Records). Instigator behind Emerald Beach at the Erie Basin Marina. Co-creator of Rusty Chain Beer. Instigator of Buffalo Porchfest, and Paint vs. Paint. Founder of The Peddler retro and vintage market on Elmwood. Instigator behind Liberty Hound @ Canalside. Throws The Witches Ball at Statler City, the Hertel Aisle Street Art Festival, and The Flutterby Festival. Coming soon... 'fig' Manner Show. Contact Newell Nussbaumer | Newell@BuffaloRising.com

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Source: https://www.buffalorising.com/2021/08/charles-e-burchfield-nature-art-center/

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