BUFFALO, N.Y. – WNED’s Horizons Gallery will host Mundo Guitarra (World Guitar) Art Exhibition by Hugo Rodriguez, the official artist of the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition.

The free exhibition will be on view weekdays May 21-June 15 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The gallery is located in the WNED studios at 140 Lower Terrace, across from the Adam’s Mark Hotel in downtown Buffalo.  Free parking is available.

Inspired by the architecture and tone of the classical guitar, this Mexican native plays in rhythm and bold color, calling attention to the movement in a guitar’s sound. His continuing series of stylized guitars take on the shapes of different subjects. Featured works include selections from the "Motherly" series and "The Day and the Evening After," a mural inspired by 9/11.

“My work represents the rhythm in life we all must carry and conveys a story or deep emotion,” he said. “I harness a myriad of expressions with a broad spectrum of media. If you look beyond the guitar, you can begin to experience the unique and vivid innovation in my work.”

Hugo, as he is known, has been providing the artistic spark for the prestigious Falletta competition since 2008. His painting, “La Gytara Gytana,” is the official face of the competition and has received worldwide recognition. This year, Hugo also designed mural-sized guitar-like visuals to enhance the stage during WNED-TV’s live studio broadcasts of the competition semifinals.

Named for the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s music director JoAnn Falletta, the biennial competition for outstanding classical guitarists from around the world is presented by WNED and the BPO.  This year’s events take place June 6-7 in the WNED Studios (broadcast live on WNED-TV and Classical 94.5 WNED and June 9 in Kleinhans Music Hall with the full BPO. For information or tickets, visit fallettacompetition.org.

“My relationship with WNED and the BPO has flourished,” says Rodriguez. “This is due, in large measure, to the nurturing attitude and cooperative staff of both organizations.”

“I enjoy involvement in public service events as a way to give back to the community. I cherish the experience of seeing people from all walks of life coming together to become one with the experience of creativity.”

For more information about the artist, visit hugomundo.com.

**** Representative exhibition images are available upon request to or (716) 845-7000, ext. 382. ****