BUFFALO, N.Y. — A community collaboration to create a work of art.
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum teamed up with artists and local students to create a mural that is inspired by the community as part of their public art initiative.
“This mural is literally an assemblage. It is a patchwork of pieces that have come together through input from students at Harriet Ross Tubman School,” said AKG Curator of Public Art, Aaron Ott.
Philadelphia-based artist Ben Volta and local artist Edreys Wajed worked together with BPS 31 students to design and print the mural on polytab for public paint days.
“Those students were able to install some of the work that they produced in their school. They can now see themselves represented inside their school and in their community,” said Ott.
The mural is located at 608 William St on the East Side on Jesse E. Nash Health Center, and close to Harriet Ross Tubman School (BPS 31).
“The public art plays an important role in the cultural and social fabric of our community. It can transform ordinary spaces like a county health center to something extraordinary,” said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre.
Artist Edreys Wajed said the mural is inclusive of the community.
“This is a potluck of a mural,” he said.
“It’s for everybody and hopefully all the people that this clinic serves will feel welcome and delighted walking in and passing out now that we have this makeover that cannot be missed. Now you know the building and now you know who it serves,” said Wajed.
The AKG public art initiative began in 2013 in partnership with Erie County and the City of Buffalo. Since its inception, AKG has installed more than 60 public artworks in the area.