Joe Fischer’s Creative Hub

Thanks to a donation of over $100,000 from Joe Fischer of Longview, Washington, Starlight Studio & Art Gallery was able to transform one of its dated spaces into a vibrant library space that will house a book collection, while also welcoming artists and creatives. The space will also serve as a dedicated home for Starlight’s writing group, which hosts workshops and is currently coordinating with cartoonist Max Weiss to create zines for Zine Fest 2024 at the WNY Book Arts Center.

This significant donation allowed Starlight, an organization that supports adults with disabilities in their artistic development, to install new lighting and shelving. The floors were also renovated. Artistically painted walls helped transform the library into a bright and cheerful gathering space, where creatives will be inspired to work on their projects.

“Starlight Studio & Art Gallery has transformed its library into a beautiful and inspiring space with Joe’s funding,” said Marc Hennig, deputy director of Beyond Support Network*. “This helps support the Starlight Studio program.”

Fischer, himself an accomplished artist, was involved in art throughout his career. After serving in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller and graphic designer in the 1950s, he received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oregon in 1963. From 1965 to 1994, he served as director of the Creative Craft Center at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Considered the largest non-college/university craft center in the country, the Creative Craft Center offered University at Buffalo students and community members the opportunity to study weaving, pottery, metals, stained glass, and photography; Fischer’s teaching focused on drawing and painting. He taught at Empire State College from 1975 to 1994 and at the University at Buffalo from 1970 to 1994.

Fischer’s work has been exhibited in galleries throughout New York State and the Pacific Northwest. His work is included in collections in countries including Canada, Ecuador, Norway, and Sweden.

Currently, Fischer creates one cartoon a day, which he sends to Starlight to add to his own collection. Fifteen cartoons now adorn the walls of the Joe Fischer Creative Hub, which is quickly becoming a space of great joy for artists and visitors alike.

“It’s fitting to call this space the Joe Fischer Creative Hub because so many creative activities take place here,” said Carrie Marcotte, director of Starlight Studio and Art Gallery. “From tai chi in the morning, to movies on Fridays, to writing group on Tuesdays, to art-making throughout the day, so many creative explorations take place here. Not only is Joe Fischer a loyal Starlight Studio patron, he’s become our friend. He truly understands what we do here and the value to artists and the community at large. We have no problem living his credo: ‘The arts give life meaning, get involved!’”

The Joe Fischer Creative Hub at Starlight Studio & Art Gallery – 340 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, NY

*Beyond Support Network is a nonprofit organization that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization strives to create and provide an environment in which all individuals it serves experience independence, respect, dignity, and full participation in the community so they can reach their potential. For more information about Beyond Support Network or Starlight Studio & Art Gallery, visit starlightstudio.org or visit Instagram/starlightstudiobuffalo and Facebook.com/SSAGBuffalo.