Arts Services Inc. of Western New York (ASI), on behalf of Assemblymember Patrick Burke’s Office, invites artists from throughout Western New York to submit proposals for an outdoor public art project called “Paint Your Town”.
Project Background and Goals
Four (4) towns within Assemblymember Burke’s district will have fiber glass buffaloes placed at various locations to celebrate themes and community within those towns. The buffaloes are blank canvases and Assemblymember Patrick Burke’s Office is seeking four (4) artists to design each of the buffaloes. Designing these buffaloes are a way for local artists to pay tribute to their friends, neighbors, and others within the community.
- South Buffalo: This fiberglass buffalo will pay tribute to the resilience and bravery of hospital workers and first responders who fought tirelessly to aid and protect our community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The buffalo should be painted according to the theme of “Heroes of South Buffalo” and reflect the spirit of the community.
- Lackawanna: The Lackawanna Buffalo is a call to art seeking an artist to paint a fiberglass buffalo that captures the essence of Lackawanna’s rich history and unique heritage. The theme for this project is celebrating union legacy and diversity, highlighting the town’s principles of solidarity, labor unions, and diverse communities.
- West Seneca: The town of West Seneca, New York, has a rich artistic heritage, deeply connected to the renowned American painter Charles Burchfield, whose vision and artistic style were inspired by the beauty and spirit of the local landscape. This call to art invites artists to pay homage to Burchfield’s legacy by creating a mural that captures the essence of West Seneca and its artistic heritage.
- Orchard Park: Orchard Park has a rich history as a stop on the Underground Railroad in the mid to late 1800s. As one of the final stops before Canada, the town provided a pathway to freedom for enslaved individuals seeking refuge. The Quakers, who were the first religious society to speak out against slavery, played a pivotal role in the abolitionist movement and were active in forming organizations such as “The American Convention for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and Improving the Condition of the African Race.”
Budget
A commission of up to $2,000 is available for each of the chosen artists to create their work. Artists are required to provide all supplies and materials to complete the work. The fiber glass buffalo in which the work will be placed will be provided for the artists.
Proposals should include:
- Which town buffalo the artist is applying for;
- A description of the work including materials and dimensions;
- Sketches of the work;
- Links to examples of past work; and
- Contact information (including email, phone, and address).
Proposals should be sent electronically (in PDF form) to [email protected] with the subject line ‘SPECIFIC TOWN NAME – Paint Your Town’, as can questions.
Deadline: Monday, September 11, 2023 by 5:00 pm
