By Jimmy Keller
(Image above by Paul Rybarczyk)

Welcome to Hive Highlights; a weekly exhibits roundup from Buffalo Hive. This showcase is meant to point you to gallery openings, ongoing exhibits, closings, artist talks and happenings in the visual arts community of Western New York for the week/end ahead. These lists are not designed to be comprehensive, instead providing a keyhole into the creative hum of our region. 

1. Skin and Soul: The Therapist’s Touch, The Artist’s Eye | Paul Rybarczyk, on view at Allen Street Art
   OPENING, Friday June 6, 2025 6-9p
   78 Allen st, Buffalo NY

An expression of figure paintings and sketches from Paul Rybarczyk take over this month’s gallery space at Allen Street Art. Rybarczyk is a massage therapist, understanding the muscle structures and tensions of the human form. His work focuses on the “beauty, strength, and vulnerability” of the underrepresented male nude. If you miss the opening this Friday, be sure to visit before his work moves on at the end of the month. 

Learn More: https://www.artworkbypaul.com/event/222203/skin-and-soul-the-therapists-touch-the-artists-eye

2. Passages, Portals, and Possibilities, on view at The Comma Fine Art Gallery
   Ongoing, through Saturday June 28, 2025
   3915 North Buffalo St., Orchard Park, New York 14217

An avalanche of works in this exhibition in Orchard Park, bringing together a total of 42 WNY artists! These pieces range from paintings and photography to mixed media and sculpture. Some highlighted artists to check out at this show include Tom Makovitch, Rachel Shelton, John Hafey, and many others. There will also be a conversation/discussion in the gallery on June 19 from 6 to 8 about why artists choose the materials they do. Very interesting, with a wide range of art you wouldn’t want to miss. 

Learn More: https://www.thecommafineart.com/passages-portals-possibilities-1

3. Shrimp World, Hannah Secord Wade, on view at Rivalry Projects
   ONGOING, through Friday, June 13, 2025
   106 College Street, Buffalo, NY 14201

Make sure to check this show out before closing, featuring Maine-based artist Hannah Secord Wade. Her painting series in this exhibition includes earthy greens of dark backgrounds and tan remnants contrasting through. Shrimp World is on view through June 13. 

arLearn More: https://www.rivalryprojects.com/hannah-secord-wade-shrimp-world