Apr 04, 2025
St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts today announced a yearlong celebration marking its 30th anniversary, kicking off April 26, 2025, and continuing through April 2026. The milestone will be commemorated with a range of performances, special events and community engagement initiatives, reflecting the Quick Center’s history and commitment to the visual and performing arts.

The Quick Center holds a legacy of artistic excellence, serving as a vibrant education and entertainment hub for not only the campus but the surrounding region. Opened in 1995, the center has hosted countless world-class artists, fostered local talent and provided enriching cultural experiences for audiences of all ages. 

From highlighting the treasures within its permanent collection, which features more than 1,800 art objects that span time from the dawn of history to the 21st century, to its continuous commitment to youth and arts education, the center has consistently strived to bring the transformative power of the arts to the community.

Early events in the 30th Anniversary Celebration (April-December) include:

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26: QCA Open House – The doors are wide open for the community to enjoy the collaboration of the Quick Arts Center and its many partners inside and outside of the SBU community. Quick Center galleries and common spaces will bustle with musical and dance performances, demonstrations, hands-on activities and art sales by local artists. 

• Sunday, Sept. 21: Launch of the 30th Anniversary and the opening of the 2025-2026 Exhibitions and Performing Arts Series

    o Laine Immersion Arts Exhibition, featuring the work of Seneca Artist Carson Waterman – This engaging exhibition uses digital projection to enhance the art-viewing experience and opens the 2025-2026 exhibition series.
    o Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, with Grammy-winning Conductor JoAnn Falletta, and an Opening Reception – This special performance features the Buffalo Philharmonic and Conductor JoAnn Falletta, officially launching the 30th Anniversary of the Quick Center and the 2025-2026 performance season. 

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17: Emerging Artist Series from the Robert Grayson, Paul Groves Studio, “Postcards from Puccini” – This series showcases the talent and discipline of young artists taking their first steps toward professional status.  

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5: Christmas Holiday Brass with the Southern Tier Symphony – Celebrate the season with a festive holiday performance by the Southern Tier Symphony, featuring a mix of classical and popular holiday favorites. 

Throughout these months, a series of educational programs and masterclasses, open to all ages, will be led by visiting artists.

This is just a preview of the events planned. More performances, exhibitions and community engagements will be announced in the coming months. 

In April 2026, a closing ceremony will honor the center’s founders and supporters, including the late Regina A. (Clarkson) Quick, for whom the center is named, and Marianne (Letro) Laine, ’68, who has been the Olean area’s biggest supporter of the center. The gala celebration will feature a performance by Olean-born, Grammy-nominated recording artist Calabria Foti, along with a silent auction, dessert bar and dancing.

"Throughout the past 30 years, the Quick Center for the Arts has become a source of local pride and a vital link to the arts for our communities," said Rachel Harris, executive director of the Quick Center. "This is an exciting moment in its history as we move forward in bringing an even higher level of performances and exhibitions to our stage and galleries. I invite all in our community to join us throughout this yearlong anniversary celebration and beyond."

For the latest event schedule and ticket information, visit www.sbu.edu/qca-anniversary. The yearlong event schedule will be updated regularly.