[1] It is a focal point of fine arts activity in the region and hosts the biennial Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition and the annual Clothesline Festival.

The inaugural exhibition, curated by George Herdle, consisted of contemporary American paintings, many of which were for sale, on loan from the artists or their dealers.

Significant early gifts acquired from exhibitions included: Willard Metcalf's [Golden Carnival],[8] Joaquín Sorolla's [Oxen on the Beach][9] and Paul Dougherty's [Coast of Cornwall, near St.

Before joining her sister at the Memorial Art Gallery, Isabel Herdle worked for one year at the de Young museum.

Today, the Gallery is supported primarily by its membership, the University of Rochester, and public funds from Monroe County and the New York State Council on the Arts.