Anniversary Bouquet is one of the 64 pieces slated for  display in the Kenan Center's new exhibition, "Rita Argen Auerbach: Chronicle of a 40-Year Career in Watercolor," opening Sunday. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

If there was a “Who’s Who” of artists in Western New York, Rita Argen Auerbach would undoubtedly be counted among them. For four decades, she’s been an educator as well as one of the region’s most highly regarded watercolorists, especially recognized for her scenes of Buffalo architecture and the charm and Victoriana of Chautauqua.

An exhibit of her work is, in fact, so large that it is being presented concurrently at two galleries: the Meibohm Gallery in East Aurora where an exhibit opened April 25, and at the Kenan Center Gallery, 433 Locust Street, where her exhibit titled “Rita Argen Auerbach: Chronicle of a 40-Year Career in Watercolor,” will open Sunday with an artist’s reception from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit continues through June 15.

The Kenan Gallery exhibit will feature 64 works representing a broad spectrum of Auerbach’s work including Western New York landscapes and architecture, works from her Frank Lloyd Wright series, florals, scenes from travel abroad, and still lifes.

Auerbach received her B.S. and M.S. in Art Education from SUNY Buffalo State College. She taught for twenty years in the Clarence Central School district, serving as Art Department Chair from 1992-1994. Auerbach has also been the recipient of numerous awards, and served in leadership positions throughout her career including President of the Buffalo Society of Artists and Charter/Vice President of the Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society.

Her paintings are represented in numerous museum, public and private collections, and have appeared in both curated and solo exhibitions at Kenan Center, Burchfield Penney Art Center, Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University, Hallwalls, and Art Dialogue Gallery, among others,  as well as at Chautauqua Institution.

Exhibit hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The exhibit will be open special hours during 100 American Craftsmen; from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 31 and noon to 4 p.m. on June 1. The Gallery will be closed May 24-26, 30, and June 2, and Saturdays starting June 7.

A Tea & Tour in the Gallery will be held on Sunday, June 8. The event includes light luncheon fare, dessert and teas followed by a conversation with the artist. Cost is $20 per person; advance reservations are required by calling 433-2617.

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