Buffalo, New York is typically known for only a handful of things: being a casualty of the decline of the American steel industry, chicken wings, an embarrassing football team. But recently Buffalo has begun to receive recognition of a new sort-respect for its art scene. Quietly, over decades, Buffalo has become home to a strong community of hard-working and talented artists. For the last several years American Style Magazine has ranked the Queen City among the top mid-sized cities in the nation to visit to see and experience art. But one does not necessarily have to visit one of Buffalo’s many independent galleries or one of its respected museums to see great art. All you need to to do is wander down the street.
Spain Rodriguez Mural in the Central Terminal Building. Photos by Tullis Johnson, Courtesy of the Burchfield Penney Art CenterSpain Rodriguez Mural in the Central Terminal Building. Photos by Tullis Johnson, Courtesy of the Burchfield Penney Art CenterSpain Rodriguez Mural in the Central Terminal Building. Photos by Tullis Johnson, Courtesy of the Burchfield Penney Art CenterSpain Rodriguez Mural in the Central Terminal Building. Photos by Tullis Johnson, Courtesy of the Burchfield Penney Art CenterArtist unknown, was on Elmwood Avenue and Cleveland Ave. Courtesy of Esther NeisenCourtesy of Tom HoltArtist: Brezo. Courtesy of Jeff MaciejewskiArtist: Brezo. Courtesy of Jeff MaciejewskiArtist: Brezo. Courtesy of Jeff MaciejewskiArtist: Brezo. Courtesy of Jeff MaciejewskiArtist: Brezo. Courtesy of Jeff MaciejewskiArtist unknown. Located on Allen Street near Elmwood Avenue. Photo by Chelsea WagnerLocated on Allen Street, between College Street and Mariner Street. Courtesy of Tom HoltCourtesy of Tom Holt
We’ve noticed an increase in street art activity in Buffalo over the last few years. Murals, wheat pastes, installations and even a bit of yarn bombing have all popped up around Buffalo. A few household names have even surfaced, such as Tom Holt and Brezo. More recently, two local graffiti writers created an approximately 40 foot mural in the beloved Central Terminal building in remembrance of the late cartoonist Spain Rodriguez, also a Buffalo native. The slideshow is a sampling of what one may find while taking a stroll in Buffalo, while eating a plate of chicken wings after a disheartening football game, of course.
