Olean, N.Y., February 14, 2024 – With funding from the F. Donald Kenney Fund at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, the Tri-County Arts Council will hold its annual biennial art exhibition again this fall.

Since 2004, the yearly arts exhibition has received $426,896.71 in funding thanks to the generosity of the late philanthropist and art enthusiast, F. Donald. Kenney, who established the F. Donald Kenney Fund at CRCF to support the Southern Tier Biennial.

This year’s grant of $23,039.95 will go towards a solo artist exhibition to be held in the council’s gallery space.

Each year, the biennial alternates between a juried art competition, followed by a solo gallery showing for the competition’s winning artist. This year, the biennial will showcase the art of Tammy Renée Brackett, a professor of digital media and animation at Alfred State College. Brackett’s work uses nature to pose questions of identity, categorization, and location. Her most recent work explores the complex relationships between humans and animals, particularly the white-tailed deer. 

Paula Bernstein, executive director of the Tri-County Arts Council, said that the Southern Tier Biennial has seen significant growth in quality and quantity since its inception.“This reputation for quality is undoubtedly due to the generous support of the F. Donald Kenney Foundation and the foresight of the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation to administer the endowment,” said Bernstein.

CRCF Executive Director Kirk Windus highlighted the importance of arts in the community.“The arts have the power to inspire, heal and unite us all,” he said. “Through philanthropy, we can help ensure these transformative experiences are accessible to everyone.” The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org, or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).