Experience Art in Person Again with Allentown’s Newest Gallery

There’s a new art gallery in Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood, and it’s exactly what you need if you’re looking to experience art in person once again.

Rivalry Projects is a contemporary art gallery and arts production space created by artist and curator Ryan Arthurs. A Western New York native, Ryan moved away from Buffalo in his adulthood to experience other places, but Buffalo was never far away from his thoughts. He would visit frequently, checking in on the city and watching it grow from afar.

Ryan Arthurs of Rivalry Projects | Photo by Nando Alvarez-Perez

“You know, I had that itch to come back to Buffalo, and (on one my visits) I realized that Buffalo now had the room and need for a space like this,” Ryan said. And thus, Rivalry Projects was born.

The name Rivalry is not about competition – that’s the last thing on Ryan’s mind. He believes in collaboration and loves being a part of Buffalo’s thriving arts scene. Rather, the word rivalry is meant to make us think about the facets we have as human beings. We all have aspects of ourselves that might seem like “rivals”, but it’s about finding the balance between these selves, and that’s what Rivalry is all about.

The building itself is newly renovated and beautiful. The front room is airy and crisp – a perfect setting for exhibitions of any kind. There is also a room at the back that will serve multiple purposes, whether it be studio space, a production space or even a second exhibition space.

Rivalry Projects is going to be sure to spread the love to local, national and international artists, with a strong goal to reflect a diversity of artists and artwork.

Rivalry’s latest exhibition is Invocation by Jacob Todd Broussard and Light Work’s Fine Print Program on view in the Project Space. Invocation is on view at Rivalry from May 13-June 30, 2022 and presents paintings which draw inspiration from the ornamental grotesque, creation myths, and mysticism. Light Work’s Fine Print Program offers affordable photographs from leading contemporary artists including Keliy Anderson-Staley, Atong Atem, Doug DuBois, Jason Fulford, Sharon Harper, Justine Kurland, Wayne Lawrence, Irina Rozovsky, Miki Soejima, and Rodrigo Valenzuela. This exhibit is also on display until June 30, 2022.

“We work with artists whose practices, backgrounds, and disciplines reflect a wealth of outside perspectives,” Ryan explains.

Hearing Ryan talk about the artwork, the artists and the concepts that weave through each piece was inspiring, and it was exciting to hear his obvious passion for art and what he’s bringing to Buffalo.

Rivalry Projects is open on Wednesdays to Fridays from noon to 5pm, and Saturdays from 11am to 5pm. Walk right on in and experience some incredible art!

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Rivalry Projects, 106 College St, rivalryprojects.com
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