Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown and the Buffalo Arts Commission today dedicated a public art sculpture in Allentown.“Emergence”, by noted Buffalo artist Mark Griffis, is located on the west end of Allen Street at the intersection of Wadsworth Street adjacent to Days Park.
Emergence combines ten figures (5 double-sided steel plates – 7 feet tall) in various active postures representing the diversity of the community. The sculpture’s lighting component enhances the figures that emerge from the plates. Mark Griffis states: “This inclusive work inspires hope, elation, and joy in the viewer. A legacy piece that people of all ages can relate to.”
The budget of $100,000 for Emergence results from the Art in Public Places legislation, in this case, combining phased improvements for Allen Street, that began in 2018. Mayor Brown thanked the Buffalo Arts Commission, Rupp Foundation, and the public who contributed to Emergence: “We are very pleased with this addition to the city’s art collection, showcasing Buffalo’s homegrown talent!” He also commended the team of Jon Speelman (architectural renderings), Phil Cunningham (design and fabrication), Patty Griffis (the finishes) Jeff Tutuska (lighting), and Nila Griffis Lampman (administration) for the important roles that they had in the creation of Emergence.
Chair of the Buffalo Arts Commission Catherine Gillespie stated “This impressive work came about with much input from the community and points to the diversity of our wonderful neighborhoods. It represents a legacy for not only the artist but for public support of the arts.”
Gillespie adds: “The Art in Public Places legislation, which provides a public art budget equal to one percent of projects over a million dollars, is vital to the beautification of the city. The Buffalo Arts Commission works hard to include new art in our urban landscape.”
Similar Public Art Projects are also in place throughout various parts of the City including Chasti O’Leary Soudant’s installation of animal figures displayed on the light poles along the bike path on Niagara Street. The Julia Bottoms’s Mural in the Leroy Coles Public Library on East Delavan Avenue displays wonderful images of community members. And Cornelia Dohse-Peck’s Shoreline Trail Benches, located at Unity Island.
