Diary Entry #61 LEROI: Living in "Lights Up" Color / by LeRoi Johnson

The last two nights of LEROI: Living in Color Preview and Opening have been beyond exhilerating, incredibly validating and filled with experiences beyond anything I could have imagined.

Thank you to the Burchfield Penney Art Center, curator, Tiffany Gaines, the exhibition main sponsor, M&T Bank, the student artists and coordinators from Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology, Buffalo Public Schools, Just Buffalo Literary Center, and Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center, for your part in making this happen. And thank you to my family, friends, and the people of Buffalo and beyond who turned out in support my work and this exhibition.

At the end of the last two nights, I took the time to drive around WNY and experience the colors of my art that have extended beyond the gallery to 26 buildings across the Buffalo Niagara Region.

It was an architectural artistic feat accomplished by the Landmark Illumination Team, Buffalo Lit--- a voluntary illumination initiative between the buildings and structures that comprise Buffalo’s downtown skyline.

They chose to highlight the opening of LEROI: Living in Color in recognition of the social justice element of the exhibition.

While I was not able to see every site, I put together this "Living Color" illimination of Buffalo's iconic Electric Tower as an example of their tribute. I am honored and, once again, thank everyone for their support of my art.

LEROI: Living in Color Exhibition includes the work of students from Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT,) Buffalo Public Schools (BPS,) Just Buffalo Literary Center (JBLC,) and Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center. The exhibition will be on view at the Burchfield Penney Art Center through March 26, 2023, presented by M&T Bank, with additional support from organizations and individuals throughout the Western New York community.