I know it has been awhile since you have received a newsletter from me.  The months following Elisabeth's passing in late August have been filled with incredible sadness and poignant reflection. 

 

I am so lucky to have been able to spend these last few weeks surrounded by her amazing artwork.  I am grateful to her family, Chloe and Jeff, for sharing that intimate part of her with us all.  

 

If you have not stopped by to see the survey show of her paintings, drawings, and sculpture there are still a few more available times.

 

Sunday 11/17 12-4 pm

Monday 11/18 2-6 pm

I am writing today to share that I have made the difficult decision to close The Raft and leave the space on Niagara Street.  There are several reasons for this, the most important being that Raft of Sanity was something that Elisabeth and I built together, and carrying on in this location without her feels painful and somehow inappropriate.

 

I am so grateful to all the artists, curators, collectors, preparators, writers, poets, musicians, chefs, and rabid art enthusiasts that created so many amazing memories for us in the three years we occupied this space.  

While I am sad to close this chapter and the Niagara street location, I am excited about the future.  

 

I am thrilled to announce that artist and art professional Chris Kameck and I have decided to join forces. We will be combining our years of experience working with artists and collectors under one forthcoming new entity and location.  We have been visiting potential spaces with a goal to be operational in the city of Buffalo in 2025. 

 

We plan to maintain exhibition programming at both Gallery Josephine, and with Dome Art Advisory at Barcalo Contemporary Gallery.

 

Together with her family, we will continue to honor Elisabeth's legacy and vision through expanded community programs and artist opportunities. In everything we do, we will keep in mind Elisabeth's deep passion for curating elevated creative experiences for all audiences.

I am so appreciative of you, and your years of support of our exhibitions and programming at The Raft and beyond.  

 

I am here for any questions and will keep you posted as we forge ahead in a time when it feels like making, experiencing, and connecting through art are more important than ever.

 

More to come!

 

Sincerely,

Emily Tucker