BUFFALO, N.Y. — A mural will be painted on June 15, and the community is encouraged to join in on the fun and get creative.
The Niagara Frontier Food Terminal (NFFT) and SAIRA Creative are looking for around 25 people to join them from noon to 4 p.m. at the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal located on 1500 Clinton Street.
“This mural will help us recreate the vibrancy that the NFFT had in the past” said Matthew Wattles, Director of Development of the Niagara Frontier Food Terminal. "Artists and creatives are a key part of our redevelopment, and this mural will only add to that momentum."
This food market first opened in 1931 but they are hoping to reinvent themselves. The idea is to be a place for small, local food and beverage startups, specialty food suppliers, and ethnic food retailers. Artists are also able to lease the NFFT for affordable art space.
One of those artists, Saira Siddiqui, developed the idea for the mural project. Alongside Saira volunteers will be painting a sunburst design with a specific section and colors assigned to each person to paint.
“We held community workshops with NFFT tenants, area organizations, and residents to determine the final design,” said Siddiqui. “The sunburst theme nods to this central area of the city where people gather around food markets, and now creative businesses. It also references the iconic Buffalo City Hall skylight, while also resembling the railroad tracks that would have been used during NFFT’s original iteration.”
Volunteers will be provided with all of the supplies needed to paint as well as snacks and beverages.
Bike racks and benches will be added to the space when the mural is completed.
"By participating in this mural, residents will not only contribute to beautifying our city but also strengthen our community bonds and support the growth of local artists. I encourage all who are able to join us in this meaningful endeavor," said Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski.
To sign up as a volunteer, please email: saira@sairacreative.com.
The rain date will be Saturday, July 27.