Published: November 20, 2008 10:14 am      

ART: Open house at the NACC

Bobby Anderson has been a lot of places since he walked the hallways of the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center as a young man.

He probably never dreamed back then — when it was a high school — that he would return one day as one of the stars of a reality TV show called “Hell’s Kitchen.”

Anderson will be among the special guests at the “Holiday Open Studios — Open Galleries,” being held Friday evening. The event, which one organizer called “one of the biggest and best holiday extravaganzas the NACC has ever experienced,” will allow the public to step inside many of the artist studios at the facility and participate in some holiday festivities, as well.

Anderson will sign autographs and give a presentation about his work with at-risk youth during the open house.

“My passion is giving back to the kids who need a break,” said Anderson, who is now working as executive chef at The Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse at the Walden Galleria Mall and has created an educational consulting business working with teenagers.

Anderson isn’t the only featured guest who once walked the halls of the NACC when it was a high school.

Artist Jay Carrier remembers the dread he used to feel when he was a reluctant high schooler coming up the main stairs to start his school day. Now, Carrier’s art is being featured in the staircase lobby, now called the “Garden Gallery,” and he calls the NACC a “sanctuary for local artists.”

Those who attend the event can see just what Carrier means, with plenty of things to see and do.

Although the NACC is home to many painters, visitors may be surprised to learn there are jewelry makers, stained glass artists, recording artists and even a woodworker.

Victor Marwin, a master woodworker who apprenticed at the Kittinger Furniture Company, will have pieces on display in the main gallery and will also welcome guests, who can see some of his antique restoration and fine furniture work in his studio.

Visitors can also stop in at the pottery studio of artist Casey Thomas and watch as he and his students create ceramics on the pottery wheels.

Thomas is among the many artists who teach classes to the public and thinks the open house will warm people to the idea of learning something new.

“The NACC offers a lot of opportunity for people to come in the classes and explore their artistic flair,” he said.

All the open studios will be marked with red balloons, and some of the artists will put out appetizers or other treats for their visitors, according to NACC staffers.

Special events during the open house will include:

* An open rehearsal of “Fences,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about a family dealing with social and family issues in the 1950s, performed by the Western Door Playhouse members.

* A juried art show featuring NACC and other regional artists in the main gallery.

* Holiday shopping at the NACC gift shop and bistro.

* Photos will be taken in the Niagara Daredevils Barrel, 5-6:30 p.m.

* A visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus with photos available for $5, from 6:30-8 p.m.

* Live entertainment including classical guitarist Andrew Benic at 6:30 p.m. in the Garden Gallery and a soloist from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at 6:30 p.m. in the main gallery.

* Rainbow Singers under the direction of Anita Harless at 6 p.m.

* Greater Niagara Ballet Company performing a vignette from “The Nutcracker” at 7 p.m.

* Chinese auction featuring gift cards from area retailers, a bake sale and 50/50 splits.

“We just want people to come here and have a good time, eat wonderful food and experience fabulous art,” said Trudy Christman, director of development.