(Niagara Falls, NY) – The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is thrilled to announce the installation of a new public art project at the former Jenss Department Store on Main Street in Niagara Falls. The installation, Women of Niagara, made possible through funding from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative, showcases 86 artworks by renowned local artist, Polly King.
Polly King was a prolific artist in Niagara Falls throughout the 20th century who created thousands of artworks throughout her lifetime. She painted the world around her, from the creation and building of the New York State Power Project, scenes from her adopted hometown of Niagara Falls, to abstract works. However, it is her Portrait Collection that is the focus of this new outdoor public art installation. Polly King painted over 450 portraits throughout her life in a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, representing an amazing cross section of Niagara Falls society in the 20th century. Polly’s portraits present an artistic anthropological study of the community of Niagara Falls, and 74 of those portraits are showcased in the windows of the Jenss building.
Dr. Robin King, granddaughter of Polly, said, “These portraits of women in Niagara Falls from the 1940s through the 1970s chronicle a piece of the social history of our city during its days of economic vibrancy. This installation is a great opportunity to take an under-utilized old building and bring it to life with Polly’s portraits of women from the area done when this building was a major destination on Main Street.”
“In creating these timeless portraits of women, Polly gave us an indelible gift that builds an intersection between place and people. Each of the women featured was a part of Niagara Falls and has a story that is embedded in their own talent, dreams and life,” shared Sara Capen, Executive Director of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. “By connecting them to the iconic Jenss building, a place filled with memory and stories, this project breathes life into Main Street and gives us a peek into the past while posing a question about its future. What does a vibrant and revitalized Main Street look like? Imagine the possibilities.”
The Jenss Department Store building, located at 1708 Main Street, in Niagara Falls, New York, was built in 1916 by the Jenss family. The Jenss Department Store saw decades of prosperity as a hub for shopping and community activity, and was an anchor in the booming and vibrant commercial district that the North End was known for. The Jenss Department store ultimately closed their Main Street location in 1995, along with the long stretch of Main Street businesses that succumbed to city-wide economic decline and urban renewal, leaving Main Street void of commercial activity.
“Many residents have fond memories of growing up around Main Street, and we hear often of Sunday strolls, delicious local cuisine – notably The Royal Chef which was located next to Jenss for many years, late bar nights, and favorite holiday shopping experiences at Jenss and beyond,” said, Ally Spongr DeGon, Director of Public Art for Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. “Our public art work generates new and creative ways and places to share these stories, while activating spaces to encourage visions for the future of Main Street.”
Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Once again demonstrating the incredible value and work of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, this project highlights the unique history and stories of Niagara Falls to grow understanding and dialogue while also enriching the look and feel of the City for residents and visitors alike.”
Saladin Allah, Director of Community Engagement for the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center added, “We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of a renaissance that is boldly shaping our city’s arts and cultural heritage ecosystem."
The public art installation is featured on the exterior windows of the building and viewing is accessible from Main Street and Division Avenue. Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike and take in the grandeur and boldness of the artworks in the unique setting of the historic Jenss building. A corresponding exhibit will be opening to the public on Saturday, December 2nd from 2 PM to 5 PM, located at 2351 Whirlpool Avenue. More details to follow.
This project is made possible through funding from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the exhibit is made possible through the support of the Polly King Art Gallery and King family. For more information about this project, as well as other Niagara Falls National Heritage Area initiatives, please visit discoverniagara.org. You can find the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area on Facebook and Instagram at @FindYourNiagara.
About Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and Public Art
The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area is one of 62 National Heritage Areas in the United States. Designated by the United States Congress in 2008, its mission is to preserve, protect and promote the historic, natural and cultural resources of the area stretching from Niagara Falls to Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, New York. The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area facilitates partnerships between artists, public and private organizations, and community members and stakeholders to envision and create public art, impacting the cultural landscape with pieces that reflect and honor the history and legacy of Niagara Falls. To date, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area has facilitated over 40 public art projects in Niagara Falls. Learn more at discoverniagara.org.
