Ensure the Future of the Kenan House Gallery

Welcome to the Kenan House Gallery giving page!

Our year-round gallery offers free admission to a variety of high-quality fine art exhibitions featuring regional and international artists. Visit www.kenancenter.org for a listing of current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Kenan House Gallery History

Built by George W. Rogers, a native of Massachusetts, the foundation of the Kenan house was laid in 1850. But four years later when the house was nearly completed, wood shavings and flame from a workman’s glue pot erupted into a blaze that destroyed all but two walls. The remaining walls were retained, and by 1859, the house was entirely rebuilt.

The Kenans at Locust Street

In March of 1912, Mr. and Mrs. Kenan purchased the Locust Street house, known simply as “The Hill,” for $18,500. Extensive remodeling took place during their first year of ownership.Mr. Kenan, who was an engineer at heart, participated in the renovation himself.

In January 1929, Leonard Schultz, a New York City architect, was consulted to perform the renovation in what is now the living room gallery space.

Mr. Schultz borrowed from the neo-Classic theme of the paintings to create the room’s décor. Classical busts set into carved niches watched over the bookcases built as display areas for artwork. The south fireplace was fitted with a mantelpiece of carved white Italian marble accented with tawny yellow striations. A fireplace at the room’s north end was removed. Floor-to-ceiling windows, seven in all, flood the room with natural light. Each is deeply recessed and has three-section interior shutters. Brass hardware and hinges accent the double mahogany doors, crowned with a mythological-themed fresco.

In the summer of 1963, Mr. Kenan offered the 25 acres of landincluding the Kenan house to the First Presbyterian Church, which was then managed by the Kenan Center Board of Directors formed in 1967.

However, prior to that Board formation, the Kenan House Gallery hosted it’s first exhibition in 1966 featuring work of Charles Burchfield.

Since then, the Kenan House Gallery has served the WNY region and beyond as one of the most beautiful gallery venues, attracting local, regional and national artists for exhibitions, speaker series and events.

Be part of ensuring that this community asset is here for generations to come.

Sponsor the Kenan House Gallery

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS: Please include the title of your preferred sponsorship within Note To Donor Scroll. If you prefer to pay in person or by check, please contact Parrish Gibbons Herzog at 716-433-2617 or pherzog@kenancenter.org.

Gold - $5,000

• Gallery wall and exhibition program recognition for 5 years.
• 20% off artwork for sale in any exhibit per year for a total of three artworks for 5 years
• A private artist chat for up to 6 people with one exhibiting artist a year for 5 years

Silver - $1,500

• Gallery wall and exhibition program recognition for 1 year
• 20% off artwork for sale in any exhibit per year for a total of three artworks for 1 year.
• A private chat for up to 6 people with one exhibiting artist within a year of sponsorship

Bronze - $500

• Exhibition program recognition for 1 year
• 20% off artwork for sale in any exhibit for 1 year

Supporter - $250

• Exhibition program recognition for 1 year