Batavia, NY – – The Holland Land Office Museum is set to showcase the artwork of Anthony Terrell, a Batavia native now based in New York City, throughout Black History Month. The exhibit, titled “Look What Happened — Plain & Simple,” opens as part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to cultural enrichment and historical awareness.
The exhibition will feature eight prints encompassing Terrell’s diverse artistic practice, including paintings, sculpture, and photography. This represents a significant display of his recent work and provides a platform for a local artist who has gained recognition beyond the Genesee County region.
The Holland Land Office Museum, a cornerstone of local history in Western New York, has increasingly focused on integrating art and cultural exhibits into its programming. The museum, located at 131 West Main Street in Batavia, serves as a repository for the region’s past, with a particular emphasis on the land transactions that shaped the area. Admission fees are tiered, ranging from $1 for children to $10 for families, making the exhibit accessible to a broad audience.
Terrell’s work arrives at a time when museums are actively seeking to diversify their collections and exhibitions, and to amplify the voices of artists from underrepresented communities. The choice to feature his art during Black History Month underscores this commitment. The museum’s broader programming for and includes a guest speaker series and curator-led workshops, indicating a robust schedule of events designed to engage the community.
The Holland Land Office Museum’s decision to host Terrell’s exhibit aligns with a broader trend of cultural institutions recognizing the importance of supporting local artists. While the museum is also currently displaying an exhibit focused on “Crime & Punishment in Genesee County,” the simultaneous presentation of Terrell’s artwork demonstrates a deliberate effort to offer a multifaceted cultural experience.
The museum’s programming extends beyond its core historical exhibits. Upcoming events include a presentation by Joe Buscaglia on “Williamsville in the War of 1812” on , and a “Java with Joe E.” series featuring Rachel Bellis discussing “Black Cloth: Mourning Dress & Drapery at the White House” on . A “Night at the Museum” event, featuring a curator artifact demonstration, is scheduled for , followed by a Saturday Afternoon Curator Workshop on .
The Holland Land Office Museum’s financial structure relies on a combination of admission fees, membership dues, and sponsorships. The tiered admission pricing – $1 for children, $3 for students/veterans/seniors, $5 for adults, and $10 for families – suggests a strategy to maximize accessibility while generating revenue. The museum also actively promotes partnerships with other local historical institutions, including the Brockport Community Museum, the Cobblestone Museum, and Genesee Country Village & Museum, fostering a collaborative network within the region’s cultural landscape.
The exhibit’s title, “Look What Happened — Plain & Simple,” hints at a direct and unadorned presentation of Terrell’s artistic vision. Given the artist’s background in painting, sculpture, and photography, the exhibition is likely to offer a diverse range of visual experiences. The museum’s description of the prints as representing “new works” suggests that this is a timely showcase of Terrell’s current creative output.
The Holland Land Office Museum’s commitment to local history and cultural programming positions it as a vital community resource. The museum’s ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings, as evidenced by the inclusion of contemporary art alongside historical exhibits, demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to engaging audiences and preserving the region’s cultural heritage. The museum can be reached at (585) 343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com.
