CEPA Gallery Reopens with “Hope, Rebellion & Justice”
Solo exhibit by artist Tito Ruiz opens in the Flux Gallery on Saturday, August 8th.

Buffalo, NY – In addition to launching two recent public art exhibitions, CEPA Gallery has been preparing for a new emerging artist show and the official “reopening” of their facilities. Hope, Rebellion & Justice by Tito Ruiz is scheduled to open on August 8, 2020 in the Flux Gallery, located at 617 Main Street, from 12-4 p.m. The show features striking portraits, emotional action shots, and powerful street photography celebrating the intersectional fight for justice in WNY.

Ruiz, a Buffalo State College graduate has a background in editorial writing/photography and media consulting. He lived in NYC and LA before moving back to Buffalo several years ago and was first involved with CEPA Gallery through their award-winning community education programs. Emerging in only the gallery sense, Ruiz’s art focuses on the use of visual imagery in advocacy. Ruiz says that he  is influenced by Gordon Parks (1912-2006): “The camera was Parks ‘weapon of choice’ in the fight against systemic racism, poverty, and injustice. And it’s important for me to do the same.” In Hope, Rebellion & Justice, Ruiz does just that, creating alternative narratives to the portrayals of protesters by mainstream media.

As part of CEPA Gallery’s emerging artist program, Ruiz was able to produce 30+ large prints for his first solo exhibition, all of which will be available for purchase when the show closes on August 31, 2020. CEPA Gallery also provided Ruiz with guidance, curation and installation, along with a small stipend, made possible through the generous support of the Joy of Giving Something Foundation, the Golden Goldman Philanthropic Fund, Arts Services Initiative of Western New York, the County of Erie and the City of Buffalo.

The emerging artist program is an important part of CEPA’s mission, says Lawrence Brose, Executive Director: “CEPA Gallery provides opportunities for diverse and emerging artists to exhibit their work, develop their technical skills, grow their networks and launch their careers.” With the opening of Hope, Rebellion & Justice on August 8th, , Ruiz will join the ranks of renowned artists like Carrie Mae Weems, Cindy Sherman and Duane Michals, all of whom exhibited at CEPA Gallery early in their artistic careers.

Gallery hours for Hope, Rebellion & Justice are limited: Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm-4pm, with extended hours on Thursday evenings, until 7 p.m. Guests are limited to six in the gallery at one time, but appointments for larger groups or private viewing can be made by calling 716-771-2432. All visitors and guests must wear appropriate face coverings; CEPA Gallery staff will provide disposable masks, ensure social distancing and conduct regular sanitation/cleaning. For further information, please visit www.cepagallery.org or contact elizabeth@cepagallery.org.