CEPA Gallery Opens Face ID exhibition opening canceled, new curator at BAS, animation exhibit on way, RLTP schedule

By Mandy Myers

(UPDATE: The exhibition opening reception mentioned in this story has been canceled because of a waterline break. Instead there will be a closing reception in the coming months, with details to be announced).

Contemporary surveillance and its impact on public behavior are at the heart of Che-Wei Hsu’s art.

He uses photography, video and performance to approach in his “Face ID: A Surveil of Che-Wei Hsu,” which has its opening reception at CEPA tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event was originally planned for last Friday, but was postponed because of weather.

According to Hsu, his work “explores the dynamics between being watched and watching … ” using subtle disruptions of social norms to expose how observation shapes identity.

The exhibit runs through April 10. The gallery is at 617 Main St., Buffalo.

Meanwhile Faith Mikolajczyk has been announced as CEPA’s newest Focus Resident. The four-month residency supports emerging local artists through mentorship, studio access, and public engagement, offering visitors a step into the creative process.

Buffalo Arts Studio has announced that Edward Y.J. Millar is its new curator. Millar officially stepped into the role on Jan. 6.

A folklorist, curator and documentary filmmaker, Millar brings more than a decade of experience in ethnography and museum practice. His work background has been presented at local, national and international levels.

Millar joins BAS after ten years as a Curator of Folk Arts at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University. He led exhibitions and programs rooted in original ethnographic research focused on Western New York’s cultural traditions.

Millar has described contemporary art as a powerful tool for responding to current social issues and fostering conversations around culture.

“The opportunity to join the wonderful staff and artists at Buffalo Arts Studio (BAS) and to become a part of the community they have nurtured is… incredible,” Millar said in the release announcing his appointment.

Centro Culturale Italiano Prepares for Exhibition Transition

The Centro Culturale Italiano di Buffalo is preparing its gallery space for an upcoming exhibition presented in partnership with the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA).

As part of this shift, “Generations: Italian Immigration and Impact in Western New York” will conclude on Feb. 28.

While the exhibition will be taken down, the Centro emphasized that this marks a pause rather than a permanent conclusion with plans to expand the project in the future.

The upcoming exhibition, “Fantasy World: Italian Americans in Animation,” will explore the influence of Italian American artists and storytelling traditions within animations across generations.

Also, any materials donated or loaned to Generations will be safely stored during the interim. Those who wish to retrieve their items at this time are invited to contact the Centro to arrange pickup.

An opening date has not been set yet for “Fantasy World: Italian Americans in Animation.”

Road Less Traveled Productions Announces Its 26/27 Season

Road Less Traveled Productions has unveiled its 2026-2027 season. This features four mainstage productions alongside the return of its BLUE Card membership program.

The season includes:

“The Da Vinci Code” (Sept. 18-Oct. 18, 2026), adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel from Dan Brown’s novel and directed by David Oliver.

“Uncle Vanya” (Nov. 13—Dec. 13, 2026), Anton Chekhov’s classic reimagined in a new version by Annie Baker and directed by Scott Behrand. The production explores longing, regret and stalled lives on a rural Russian estate.

In early 2027, RLTP presents “Ephiphany” by Brian Watkins (Feb. 19—March 21), directed by Behrend.
Set during a snow-filled evening gathering, the play blends humor and existential unease as a group of friends confront unresolved anxieties.

The season concludes with “Clyde’s,” by Lynn Nottage (April 16—May 16, 2027), directed by John Hurley.
Set in a truck stop sandwich stop staffed by formerly incarcerated workers. ensemble member Johnny Barden returns to reprise his role of Jason, following RLTP’s 2023 production of Nottage’s “Sweat.”

Information on season ticket and other plans (BLUE Cards) is available at https://www.roadlesstraveledproductions.org/blue-card-membership

Mandy Myers is a senior at SUNY Fredonia and an intern for The Buffalo Hive.