ART EVENT | "The Art of Preservation" 

Architectural illustrator John C. Wenrich transformed skyscrapers into atmospheric and otherworldly, towering castles, and locomotive steam engines into hulking, fire-breathing beasts. He imbued his watercolor paintings of barns and rural asphalt plants with a sense of sturdy beauty, just as he injected an ethereal element into his images of world fair exhibits and war-torn city ruins. The artist's Rochester association began when he attended Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute, where he later taught part-time after RAMI became RIT.

Catch a rare showing of select Wenrich watercolors at The Landmark Society of Western New York's "The Art of Preservation" event, which will be held Sunday, November 23, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Memorial Art Gallery (500 University Avenue). The celebration will kick off with an abbreviated annual meeting, followed by a party featuring musical entertainment by Jon Seiger and the All-Stars, and fine art by Jacquie Germanow.

In addition, guests may tour all exhibits currently on view in the gallery. Drinks will be available via cash bar, and the annual silent auction will feature one of Wenrich's paintings. Tickets to the event are $40 or $30 for Landmark Society Members. For more information, call 546-7029 x11, or visit landmarksociety.org.