The Polly King Art Gallery

When artist Polly King passed away in 1993, her son, Don King, transformed her home at 670 Chilton Avenue in Niagara Falls, New York into an art gallery and research studio. The Polly King Art Gallery welcomes all into its doors, from art aficionados with extensive collections to art newcomers who don’t know a Degas from a Jackson Pollock. 

Don King provides guests not only the opportunity to view his mother’s work and legacy, but he also shares stories about Polly’s life, anecdotes about the artworks, and context for how all of Polly’s art fits into the larger story of Niagara Falls. The Gallery is a portal into the past and a testament to the power of human potential. Indeed, there are over 9,000 total artworks in the Gallery which span a variety of artistic styles, mediums, and subjects. Polly experimented with and mastered a broad range of artistic styles, from Impressionism to portraiture, and she utilized artistic mediums such as watercolor, oils, charcoal, and mixed media.

Within the Gallery, guests can see what Polly saw–that every surface is a canvas. Beyond the artwork, you will discover Polly’s touches on hand-painted floors, furniture, and window shades. Polly also had an unwavering belief in the power of art and creativity; she believed that the ability to find beauty in everything that surrounds us is a gift. At each turn, the Gallery is filled with discovery, surprise, and creativity. The King family, led by Don, have created a space that not only preserves Polly’s legacy, but inspires all those who visit. 

Many years ago, Polly King visited Cezanne’s studio in France and sketched the interior. She was inspired by being inside the space of the renowned artist–and the Polly King Art Gallery holds the same magic. It is an incredible monument to Polly’s art, her vibrant personality, and the place she called home for nearly seventy years.

The Polly King Art Gallery is the perfect place to go to feel inspired, to relax, or to brighten your day. As Don King says, there’s no medicine like art!

To learn more about Polly King and her artwork, visit pollykingstudio.com and  discoverniagara.org

Hope L. Russell, Ph.D.