William Farmer - Line Works and Other Temptations

MFA Thesis Exhibition in Studio Fine Arts

Reception:

Thursday, June 4, 2026

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

A presentation of works produced between 1976-1978 for the RIT MFA Program, now presented in 2026 for final approval of MFA Studio Art, RIT College of Art.  Works include etching and engraving intaglio prints, unconventional drawing and mark making, inking and printing techniques, with multiple plates, calligraphs, etching and engraving, a photo etching of an image he captured at America’s Bicentennial of 1976 at the Old North Bridge, lastly two photographs representing Farmer’s current creative spirit and interest of capturing split-second landscapes at Low Tide.  

During the past 50 years Farmer’s career has focused on the Masonry Restoration of Rochester’s most notable Landmark structures as well as countless numbers of buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places throughout Western and Upstate NY. He has been instrumental in creating two National Register Historic Districts, LeRoy NY and Rochester’s South Wedge. He has received the Barber Conable Award for his work at Farmers Creekside Tavern and Inn; he recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rochester Builders Exchange.

In 2009-2011 Farmer re-entered the field full time working with his tools and crew restoring the grounds of Hopewell Hall, (originally) The Browning Rifle Family’s Thousand Islands Estate, while there, on the base of the old Boiler room that heated the greenhouses, at the owners request Farmer designed and built “Farmer’s Folly” a castle like stone structure rose garden.

During this 50-year span of time, Farmer documented his restoration projects with a raw authenticity, recording and creating a vast catalogue of photography and video work. His passion for Masonry Architecture has left an enduring legacy.  He still works estimating, selling and preparing projects for The Company he founded Catenary Construction, He also consults local Engineers and Architects on historic projects.

Farmer’s vicarious passion for art continues through this resurgent experience.