By all accounts, Leslie Zemsky and her family are known for some pretty big projects particularly in Buffalo's Larkinville neighborhood.
"As many people know we love art and public art and doing a lot of quirky things down here in Larkinville," Leslie explains.
Her son Harry transformed 716 Swan Street into Hydraulic Hearth.
"For us, we're just this microcosm, this neighborhood. We're really proud how we're a part of the bigger story of Buffalo's resurgence," she said.
One day, Leslie had a little idea, something called (716) GAL-LERY. It was designed to be a way to continue to bring art to everybody only on a much smaller scale. The gallery now has the distinction of being Buffalo's smallest art gallery.
Here's the best part: they put it in an old phone booth.
"This tiny little art gallery has featured some really talented artists," said Leslie.
They include the currently featured Sarah Myers whose work can also be seen at the substantially larger Albright Knox.
"My other paintings are, they're giant," Sarah said, "so it's not for everybody and this makes it more appealing for more different types of people."
One of the biggest hits of the little gallery has been the rotary phone inside. Kids love it because, well, a lot of them have never even seen anything like it before. Adults will love how it's been repurposed to be used as part of the gallery's featured shows.
"When you pick up the phone we always have some music or maybe it's an interview
with the artist so, again, an unexpected surprise when you go in the phone booth," said Leslie.
It even has a gift shop. For just 50 cents you can take home some stickers--all drawn by local artists.
(716) GAL-LERY. It's worth the tiniest of detours just to say...you've been there.