Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

—Albert Einstein

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy welcomes you to our

2nd Annual GalaSaturday, November 9, 2013

Orchard Park Country Club

ChestnutRidgeConservancy.org

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization formed to support the restoration and preservation of the rich natural, recreational and historic resources that comprise Chestnut Ridge Park.

Build great

aWareNeSS.It’s about community. Honoring and recognizing those who have

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visit us at firstniagara.comFirst Niagara Bank, N.A.

Extends our warmest wishes to the

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for a successful 2nd Gala Event

Polymer Conversions Inc.Plastics Technology Center — Since 1979

5732 Big Tree RoadOrchard Park, NY 14127-4196

Phone: (716) 662-8550PolymerConversions.com

6:30pm Complimentary Premium Open Bar & Hors d’oeuvres

7:30pm Seated Gourmet Dinner

• Introductions and Acknowledgements

• Review of 2013 Conservancy Accomplishments

• Presentation of the 2nd Annual Chestnut Ridge Guardian Award to Jack Bertsch

9:00pm Premium Open Bar

Dancing to the music of the Bobby Militello Quartet

The Conservancy extends its heartfelt thanks to our Honorary Chairpersons—Jim Rahill, Vice President at First

Niagara Bank Group and his wife Patty—for their dedication, time and enthusiasm in coordinating this event.

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation formed to support the restoration and

preservation of the rich natural, recreational and historic resources that comprise Chestnut Ridge Park.

The Evening’s Agenda

We are indebted to our sponsors, whose generosity and support have made this event possible ...

Platinum Plus

First Niagara Bank Group

PlatinumFrontier Industrial Corp.

Polymer Conversions, Inc.Anonymous Friend of the CRC

GoldEntercom Communications Corp.

Praxair

SilverNOCO, Inc.

Towne AutomotiveTry-It Distributing Co., Inc.

PatronsMark Cerrone, Inc.

Gibraltar Industries, Inc.The Krog Corp.

R&P Oak Hill, LLC

The Event’s Sponsors

About the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy

In an effort to assist the County of Erie in restoring and maintaining the park in the midst of budget cuts and rising expenses, a dedicated group of concerned citizens has come together to form the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy. This not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization was established to support the restoration and preservation of the rich natural, recreational and historic resources that comprise our own Chestnut Ridge Park.

We are working closely with the Erie County Parks Department to:

• Define projects that need to be completed

• Raise funds through the generosity of corporations, community groups, and citizens

• Sponsor events to raise awareness and encourage county residents to take advantage of the park’s facilities and scenery

In order to raise the funds necessary to carry out our mission, we need your help! Please consider joining the Conservancy today.

Join us on our web site—ChestnutRidgeConservancy.org, or complete a paper application and mail it back to us. We look forward to having you on our team!

Jack BertschThe annual Chestnut Ridge Conservancy Guardian Award recognizes an individual who has played a significant role in the fulfillment of the Conservancy’s mission—supporting the restoration and preservation of the rich natural, recreational, and historic resources that comprise Chestnut Ridge Park.

The recipient of the 2013 2nd Annual Guardian Award is Conservancy Treasurer and Founding Trustee Jack Bertsch. Jack is the Founder and President of Polymer Conversions Inc. Based in Orchard Park, PCI is a contract manufacturer to the medical industry, with 100 employees and $12 million in annual sales.

Jack is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts of America Greater Niagara Frontier Council. He is also a supporter of the Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund, the Buffalo Zoo, the USS Slater DE766 Museum in Albany, The Boys and Girls Club of Orchard Park, the Orchard Park Little League, and numerous other volunteer groups.

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy is indebted to the following individuals and organizations whose efforts made this event a success:

• Susan Rose and John Zach• The Bobby Militello Quartet• Paul Maurer• Our Sponsors, Patrons and Advertisers• The Orchard Park Country Club• Evenhouse Printing• Our many members and volunteers• Everyone attending tonight’s event!

The Gala Committee• Jim & Patty Rahill• Rich & Joanne Kamats• Mike Neumeister• Ray Fabiniak• Jack Bertsch• Diane Morse• John Bailey• Bill Even

Jack Bertsch

2013 Guardian Award Recipient

In Memory

David M. BuyerThe Chestnut Ridge Conservancy mourns the loss of one of its founding trustees, David M. Buyer, who passed away on September 2, 2013 at the age of 74.Dave brought the Conservancy over 45 years of diverse experience that included military intelligence, corporate business management in both large and small companies, elected and appointed local and state government positions, business consulting and undergraduate college teaching. Dave was responsible for marketing the Conservancy to Western New York and played important roles in organizing and working at many of our events including our parties at the casino, annual meetings and outdoor movies on the sledding hill.Dave was a huge supporter of everything related to Orchard Park and was active with the American Legion and the Orchard Park Council for the Arts. His friendship, as well as his significant contributions to the numerous organizations with which he was involved, will be greatly missed.

Dave Buyer

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Lawley proudly supportsChestnut Ridge

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Thank you to the following

Chestnut Ridge Conservancy

Supporters

George & Anne Bergantz

John & Sue Bevilacqua

Larry & Elaine Mattar

Joe Kubarek & Sharon Porcellio

Norb & Diana Bennett

Mike & Janette Neumeister

Senator Mark Grisanti

Corto’s Salons & Spas

Flow Safe Inc.

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APEX AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS EXTENSION, LLC

Praxair is a proud supporter of the

Chestnut Ridge Conservancy

Mark Cerrone, Inc.Specializing in Demolition,

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Best wishes to the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy!

Congratulations to Jack Bertsch

— no one is more deserving of the

2013 Guardian Award!

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At Work

On the Go

At Home

Celebrating 80 Years in WNY!

ChairmanRaymond A. Fabiniak*

President John C. Bailey*

Vice President Ed Starosielec*

Treasurer Jack Bertsch*

DirectorsJanet Benjamins

Liz CashDaniel J. Glowacki

Erin GrajekFayda HathawayJustine LeFauve*Michael Merritt*

Ronald J. MichnikDiane Morse

Michael NeumeisterRonald SmithBill Thornton

* Indicates Founding Trustee

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy Board of Trustees

Marketing Consultant William C. Even

Acknowledgements

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy relies heavily on its partnership with Erie County to ensure the success of our projects.

Sincere thanks to ...

• County Executive Mark Poloncarz

• Parks Commissioner Troy Schinzel

• Deputy Commissioner Daniel Glowacki

• County Legislator John J. Mills

• The staff at Chestnut Ridge Park

Your support and cooperation help us to make the park a better place.

Will You Help Us Revitalize Chestnut Ridge Park?

Name: ______________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City: ________________________________________________

State/Province: ______________________________________

ZIP/Postal Code: _____________________________________

Telephone: __________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________

Please add me to your email mailing list.

In an effort to assist the County of Erie in restoring and maintaining Chestnut Ridge Park in the midst of budget cuts and rising expenses, a dedicated group of concerned citizens has come together to form the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy.

Established in 2009, this not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization was established to support the restoration and preservation of the rich natural, recreational, and historic resources that comprise our own Chestnut Ridge Park.We are working with the Erie County Parks Department to:• Define projects that need to be completed• Raise funds through the generosity of corporations,

community groups, and grants• Sponsor events to raise awareness and encourage county

residents to take advantage of the park's facilities and scenery

We need your help to carry out our mission!

Please consider donating to our worthy cause. Simply complete the form below and include it with your check made out to ...

Chestnut Ridge ConservancyP. O. Box 1376

Orchard Park, NY 14127

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy is working to restore our local treasure. Your assistance is critical! Please select your membership level and return this slip with a check for your tax-deductible contribution made payable to Chestnut Ridge Conservancy.

Thank you for your support!

Join on-line at: ChestnutRidgeConservancy.org/membership

Annual Membership Levels:

Chestnut Family Membership $100Family Membership $50Individual Membership $30Senior Membership (55 and over) $25Community Groups $125Conservationist $500Preservationist $2,500Park Benefactor $5,000

Conservationist, Preservationist, and Park Benefactor levels will be recognized on the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy Patrons board inside the Chestnut Ridge Casino.

I Would Like to Volunteer!

I am interested in helping with:

Fund RaisingEvents PlanningEvent Setup, Cleanup, and ActivitiesAdministrative TasksEmail: info@ChestnutRidgeConservancy.org

Web: ChestnutRidgeConservancy.orgFacebook: Facebook.com/ChestnutRidgeConservancy

Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, Inc. — A 501(c)(3) CorporationP. O. Box 1376

Orchard Park, NY 14127

ChestnutRidgeConservancy.orgFacebook.com/ChestnutRidgeConservancy

Chestnut Ridge Park Casino Mural Restoration Project

[ 1 ]

The Chestnut Ridge Park Casino Mural Restoration Project

In 2013, the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy undertook its first major project in keeping with our mission to restore our beautiful park. Led by Founding Trustees Ron Michnik and Jack Bertsch, the CRC approached the Erie County Parks Department about restoring and conserving the five magnificent murals painted on the walls inside of the Chestnut Ridge Park Casino.

The murals were painted in 1948 by local artist and sign maker Bernard C. (“Ben”) Feldman (1889 - 1972).

Sixty-five years of pollution, grime, fireplace smoke and cooking grease have accumulated on the paintings. The Conservancy believes that these murals should be restored to enhance the experience of visitors to the Casino.

The Conservancy has secured the services of Ms. Eileen Sullivan, owner of Aurora Art Conservation in East Aurora, NY to complete the project.

The project began in May, 2013. The first mural being cleaned and preserved is The Skiers, located on the south wall of the casino’s main area. The entire mural restoration project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2014. Costs associated with this project and its on-going conservation and preservation efforts are expected to be about $60,000.

Ben Feldman creating his award-winning Buffalo Centennial poster — 1932

Photo courtesy of Jasson Schrock and the Feldman Family

[ 2 ]

The following pages will go into more detail about the murals, the restoration process and the people associated with the project.

The MuralsTwo murals are located in the main room of the casino, one is located in the lower hall, and two are located in the concession area. All depict scenes or animals typical of Western New York or the park itself.

SkiersMain Room of the Casino

14.5’ H x 10.8’ W

Paint Layer: The paint layer is stable, with no flaking or major areas of incipient loss. Minor losses and abrasions occur overall. Specific losses to the paint layer occur at left center, and at center, where screws or anchors have been embedded into the wall. Closer examination of top this mural will be conducted and documented prior to cleaning, with the aid of scaffolding or a lift.

[ 3 ]

Surface Coating: The surface of the mural is markedly dirty, with a heavy layer of deeply yellowed grime overall. Heavy streaking overall, particularly at right, becomes brown in tone. Accretions, flyspecks, and deposits are scattered overall. An area of white overpaint is located on the top of a snowdrift at left; the entire top of the drift has been painted white, rather than a localized area being retouched. The overpaint remains opaque; it was not possible to discern the extent of the damage beneath it. Initial cleaning tests suggest the overpaint will be difficult to remove.

Summary

The dirt and grime layer on this mural is highly visible and particularly distracting, due to the subject matter and light colors of the image. White snow appears yellow, and the darker drips and streaks of grime contrast sharply, creating visually confusing patterns. The degree of darkening and discoloration to the surface is marked. An area of white overpaint, recent enough to retain its original tone, appears incongruent and flattens the image. Scattered accretions and small losses to the paint layer visually interrupt the image. Though the edges of these losses are secure and further paint loss is not incipient, they do create fragile areas for the paint layer. Further paint loss is likely to happen near these sites.

[ 4 ]

CabinMain Room of the Casino

12.8’ H x 12.9’ W

Paint Layer: The paint layer is stable, with no flaking or major areas of incipient loss. Minor losses and abrasions occur overall, particularly at left near the fuse box and at bottom center. Abrasions and scuffs also occur in the bottom area where a bench has been housed against the wall.

Surface Coating: The surface of the mural is extremely dirty, with a heavy layer of brown grime overall. The grime is uneven, and streaking occurs. Accretions, flyspecks, and deposits are scattered overall.

Summary

The dirt and grime layers are heaviest on this mural; cleaning tests

[ 5 ]

removed caramel-brown colored grime from the surface. The darker and yellow-brown colors of the original composition mask this discoloration to some extent, however the image appears murky and difficult to read due to the grime. The discoloration is more immediately noticeable in the upper portion of the image; cleaning tests in the sky shift it from a green to a pale blue. Losses, abrasions, and scuff marks that expose the ground layer are concentrated at bottom, and are highly noticeable due to their location in a dark area of the image. These losses are most probably associated with a bench located in front of, and against, the mural. Further mechanical damage to the paint layer in this area is likely to occur. Additionally, scattered accretions and small losses to the paint layer visually interrupt the image overall. Though the edges of these losses are secure and further paint loss is not incipient, they do create fragile areas for the paint layer. Further paint loss is likely to happen near these sites.

[ 6 ]

DeerCasino Lower Level

8.6’ (at edge) /17.2’ (at apex) H x 16.42’ W

Paint Layer: The paint layer is stable, with no flaking or major areas of incipient loss. Moderate losses and abrasions occur overall, most notably in the center of the image. These losses are larger than those in the previous two murals. Heavy scuffing occurs at bottom left. Red marks, suggested by cleaning tests to be nail polish, occur at right of center. Previous repairs to cracks in the wall occur at the apex; these repairs have been retouched to match, and are slightly out of tone. Cracks with thin intervals appear at left as well as to the left of the doorway; these cracks penetrate through the paint layer, but the edges of the paint are not lifting, and there are no visible paint losses associated with the cracking; the paint appears to be stable in these areas.

Surface Coating: The surface of the mural is moderately dirty, with a layer of dirt, dust and grime overall. Accretions, flyspecks, and deposits are scattered overall. Scuff marks predominate across the surface throughout the lower part of the image.

[ 7 ]

Summary

The dirt and grime layers are lightest on this mural, and the discoloration is minor. However, this mural suffers from heavier abrasions, scuffs, scratches, and losses to the paint layer than the other murals. Notable scuffs and abrasions are estimated to have occurred from handling; it is estimated that tables have been pushed against this wall and caused progressing abrasion over time. Areas of paint loss occur overall, and the size of the losses range up to ½” in diameter. A loss at center measures 3” across. Though the edges of these losses are secure and further paint loss is not incipient, they do create fragile areas for the paint layer. Further paint loss is likely to happen near these sites.

Previously repaired cracks have been toned to match the sky, and are a reasonable match, though they are now out of tone. Unfilled cracks occur left of center and left of the door; these do not appear to be recent, and no current or incipient paint loss is observed. (Further examination of the cracks by a masonry professional is suggested.)

Though less disfigured by discolored grime, the losses, abrasions, and out-of-tone crack repairs, create significant visual distraction, and lessen the aesthetic integrity of this image.

[ 8 ]

Fox Casino Concession Stand

8’ H x 8’ W

Paint Layer: The paint layer is stable, with no flaking or major areas of incipient loss. Moderate losses and abrasions occur overall. Cracks with thin intervals occur vertically through the middle of the image, most oriented horizontally. The paint layer appears to penetrate into the cracks. The mural has a painted “wooden frame” which surrounds the image. Current wall paint overlaps the edges of this frame unevenly.

Surface Coating: The surface of the mural is extremely dirty, with a heavy layer of brown grime overall. The grime is uneven, and streaking occurs. Accretions, flyspecks, and deposits are scattered

[ 9 ]

overall. Drops of white paint, estimated to have occurred at the time the wall surrounding the mural was repainted, occur.

Summary

The dirt and grime layers are extremely heavy on this mural, yellowing the colors to a marked degree. As with “Skiers,” the subject matter and light colors of the image make the discoloration more distracting. The image appears murky and difficult to read due to the grime. Heavy brown streaking further darkens the image, and creates visual confusion. Additional scattered accretions, paint spatters, and small losses to the paint layer visually interrupt the image overall.

Fine cracking occurs through the center of the image. Because the paint layer penetrates into the cracks it is thought that these cracks were present in the wall at the time the mural was painted. There is no indication that their condition has worsened.

An original painted “frame” for the image has been slightly overpainted in some areas when the surrounding wall was repainted. This has given the edges an unfinished appearance.

[ 10 ]

TreeCasino Concession Stand

6.2’ H x 6’ W

Paint Layer: The paint layer is stable, with no flaking or major areas of incipient loss. Moderate losses and abrasions occur overall, most notably left of center. Heavy black accretions occur at top right to center right. Drips of current wall paint occur overall. The mural has a painted “wooden frame” which surrounds the image. Current wall paint overlaps the edges of this frame unevenly. An electrical outlet is unpainted at lower left center.

Surface Coating: The surface of the mural is markedly dirty, with a heavy layer of brown grime overall. The grime is uneven, and

[ 11 ]

streaking occurs. Accretions, flyspecks, paint spatters, and deposits are scattered overall.

Summary

The dirt and grime layers are extremely heavy on this mural, yellowing the colors to a marked degree. The image appears murky and difficult to read due to the grime. Heavy brown streaking further darkens the image, and creates visual confusion. Heavy black accretions in the upper right corner disfigure the image. Accretions, drips of current wall paint, and small losses to the paint layer overall visually interrupt the image. Drips of current wall paint occur overall.

An original painted “frame” for the image has been slightly overpainted in some areas when the surrounding wall was repainted. This gives the edges an unfinished appearance.

The Chestnut Ridge Conservancy Mural Committee

Jack BertschRon Michnik

Ron SmithBill Even

The Conservancy wishes to thank our generous benefactors who have made this project possible:

Jack Bertsch — Polymer Conversions, Inc.West Herr Automotive Group, Inc.

George G. & Elizabeth G. Smith FoundationMary Flickinger

[ 12 ]

The Conservation and Preservation Process1. Provide written and photographic documentation of the condition

of the murals. 2. Examine the upper portions of the murals.3. Determine if a masonry professional is required to evaluate the

cracks.4. Remove as much dirt and grime layers from the surface as

possible.5. Remove overpaint if possible.6. Conduct further cleaning tests to confirm lack of a surface

coating.7. Brush-varnish the surface with an appropriate product, taking

into consideration the widely vacillating temperatures and humidity of the building the murals are housed in, as well as the high amount of visitor traffic and use the space receives.

8. Fill holes or deep losses with appropriate fill material. Inpaint and intone losses, abrasions, and scuffs. Intone any staining that was not removable by cleaning, and integrate prior retouching as necessary.

9. Determine appropriate preventative conservation measures for the murals, congruent with use and functioning of the space they are housed in.

10. Provide written and photographic documentation of treatment.

Preventative ConservationLong-term conservation requires proactive measures by both the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy and the county. First and foremost, remind people that the murals are there. Over time, visuals such as murals can become almost invisible, blending into the architecture or surroundings. The process of conservation treatment is an opportunity to remind the public of the murals’ presence.

[ 13 ]

After treatment of the five murals is complete, signage or a display that features the murals may also draw attention to them. Wall text that discusses the history of the park and casino could also mention the murals. A small display or information sheet could show simple “before and after” treatment photographs. Labels with information such as a title, name of artist, and/or image information could be mounted near each mural.

Proper handling

The park staff must be educated as to the proper care of the murals. Encourage people to give the murals safe space; benches and table should not be pushed against the paintings, and people should be asked not to lean against the walls. Toboggans and tables should be stacked far from the murals. Food service items should be kept well away, as well as garbage cans, to discourage splashing of food stuffs on the murals.

Consider the use of physical boundaries

The casino has a very casual atmosphere, which is part of its charm, as well as part of its character within the community. While extreme physical protection for the murals would be splash guards or electronic sensors/alarm systems, these choices may not be a good fit with the casino. More sympathetic solutions that may be in line with the atmosphere of the casino might be stanchions with any type of barrier between the stands, from thick and very visible bands, to delicate and almost invisible clear tubing; toe guards on the floor; or flat markings on the floor. A single stanchion with a title of the work, placed near the work, may be enough to draw people’s attention to the mural and remind them to treat it carefully.

Heat and Humidity

The environment of the casino is considered rather harsh for artwork, but the murals have held up very well over the years. However, a few steps might be taken to insure against future damage. The current heating system blows heated air directly by Cabin. This can create a

[ 14 ]

sudden change of temperature, condensation, etc., that is difficult for any painted surface. A greater amount of dirt, dust, and contaminants is also being forced past the mural. If the fan could be moved further from the painted surface, the mural would benefit. In general, avoiding sudden extremes of temperature and humidity is preferable for any artwork. Make sure that the murals are not cleaned with water, and are not allowed to be wet down in any way (i.e. do not “clean” with rag and cleaner; do not allow excessive moisture to stay in contact with the walls, such as in the case of water damage to the wall/building or sprinkler system use).

Improvements

Small changes can enhance the viewing experience of the murals. Outlets and electrical box covers in Tree and Cabin could be toned/painted to better blend in with the image. Wires along the top of the wall that Cabin is painted on are visually distracting; perhaps they could be gathered into a white PVC tube (similar to the ones used for the heating system), with the tube attached a few inches higher to the ceiling beams. The Casino is full of natural light, but perhaps the darker area of Cabin and the corner areas where Fox and Tree are could be enhanced with floodlights; if evening events are planned in the space, perhaps the lighting of all murals could be re-evaluated.

Checking in

Ask a staff member or a conservancy member check the condition of the murals on a regular basis. Having the same person perform this check consistently increases the chances of small damages or changes being found, as he/she will get to know the images very well! A conservator with a copy of a current examination report and documentation to compare the murals against can do a yearly or bi-yearly update to the current exams. In these ways, a potential problem might be caught before it happens.

[ 15 ]

A Restoration — in Pictures

The Skiers, before restoration began April 26, 2013

The Skiers, restoration commences on upper

left corner of the muralJune 13, 2013

[ 16 ]

The Skiers, 50% completeJuly 8, 2013

[ 17 ]

The Skiers, cleaning process completeOctober 9, 2013

[ 18 ]

The Artist: Bernard C. “Ben” Feldman (1889 - 1972)Ben, as he was often called, was born in West Valley, NY and was the youngest of twelve children. Having artistic abilities, he would draw on any scrap of paper he could find, including quickly filling a sketch pad given to him as a gift from his brother.

After marrying Mary Elizabeth Gerwitz, they bought a dairy farm in West Valley. Raising a family was very hard during the Depression and they eventually moved to Buffalo where he worked at The Pullman Car Company and his brother's parish.

He was an accomplished builder and cabinet maker, a talent he learned from his father. He was a proud member of The Knight's of St. John at St. Mary Magdalene's parish.

Driven by his love for art, Ben took a correspondence class and enrolled in an evening art course at the Burgard Vocational School, while taking advantage of every art contest he could. It was during this era that he painted the prize-winning poster for the Buffalo Centennial in 1932. Thousands of copies were printed and displayed in the Albright Art Gallery, Ben Feldman’s award-winning Buffalo Centennial poster — 1932

Photo courtesy of Jasson Schrock and the Feldman Family

[ 19 ]

the Railroad Terminal, street cars, countless store windows and other public areas. Shortly after, he opened up a sign shop in the Fillmore Avenue area which he named The Fidelity Sign Shop. Sadly, a fire destroyed the shop along with much of his art work.

Employed at General Motors, he did pictorial work, painted trucks, lettering and specialized in gold leafing. Over the years he was commissioned to paint murals in many of Buffalo's restaurants and other prominent places. Just prior to World War II they moved out of the city into an Akron, NY farm home where he gained employment as a foreman in the paint department at Curtis Wright Aviation, eventually becoming Westinghouse, from which he later retired. During this time, he served as Fire Chief at the Newstead Fire Company.

With their six children now married, Ben and Mary purchased a piece of property in Akron where they built their home and his second sign shop which proved to be very successful. He was later commissioned by Erie County to do gold leafing in various buildings in Buffalo, including Buffalo's City Hall and Courthouse. His talents can still be viewed in the murals he painted in the casino at Chestnut Ridge Park. Feldman passed away in 1972.

The Conservator: Eileen Sullivan, Aurora Art ConservationEileen Sullivan, the owner of Aurora Art Conservation, is a paintings conservator located in East Aurora, NY.

A graduate of the Conservation Program at Buffalo State College, where she earned a master’s degree in Art Conservation, and a graduate of the University of Buffalo, where she earned a master’s degree in Art History,

[ 20 ]

Ms. Sullivan has held internships with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Shelburne Museum. In 2010 she was awarded a Kress Fellowship at the Cleveland Museum of Art, for which she completed a year-long treatment of an Annunciation scene by the Renaissance artist Paolo Veronese.

Ms. Sullivan returned to Western New York in 2011, opening a private practice that specializes in the conservation of paintings. Aurora Art Conservation serves a wide audience, including museums,

community groups, and private individuals. Services provided include conservation consultations, treatments, surveys, preventative conservation as well as conservation lectures.

“The conservation treatment of the murals at Chestnut Ridge Park

has provided me with the opportunity to work with a wonderfully enthusiastic and dedicated group in the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy. The daily interest and support that casino visitors offer while I am working gives this project an outreach aspect that adds to the energy of the project; it is a pleasure to be involved in the revitalization of these artworks.”