Castellani Art Museum is pleased to present AHM357: Exhibiting Cultures, a collaborative exhibition featuring the enchanting illustrations of Buffalo-based artist Jessica Gadra, on view from April 24 to November 9, 2025, with a public reception on April 24, 2025. Curated in partnership with students from Niagara University’s AHM357 course, this exhibition offers a journey through the magical realms of fairy tales, mythology, and folklore, celebrating the enduring cultural relevance of these timeless narratives.

Through Gadra’s masterful artistry, viewers will rediscover beloved tales reimagined with stunning detail and imaginative flair. The exhibition is divided into thematic sections exploring motifs such as Animal Brides and Grooms, Tragic Heroes, and Magical Beings. Each section invites audiences to engage with the socio-cultural themes embedded in these stories, reflecting their continuing impact on contemporary life. Gadra’s work highlights the universal truths within these tales, breathing new life into old legends while preserving their timeless allure.

A distinctive feature of this exhibition is its interactive design, which includes a cozy reading nook with fairy tale and mythology books, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the narratives that inspired the artwork. Through this multi-sensory experience, AHM357: Exhibiting Cultures bridges the worlds of visual and literary art, offering audiences an opportunity to explore the intricate interplay between illustration and storytelling.

Supported by Niagara University’s art history program, this student-curated exhibition showcases the talent of a local artist while fostering meaningful dialogue about the cultural significance of storytelling. AHM357: Exhibiting Cultures is a celebration of the power of myths and fables to connect, inspire, and resonate across generations.

This exhibition is made possible in part through the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.