BUFFALO — The Foundry is proud to announce the ribbon cutting and public reveal of a stunning 100-foot mural “Grand Pawsivity” created by youth in its summer programs. The event will take place Tuesday, August 19 at 4:00 PM at The Foundry, 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY 14208.
Over the summer, students at The Foundry collaborated with skilled instructors to design and paint a vibrant mural celebrating creativity, community, and the power of youth voices. This project was made possible thanks to materials funded by Erie County Legislators Lawrence Dupre and Taisha St. Jean Tard, with additional instructor and staffing support provided through the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, the Erie County Youth Bureau, and Project RISE, administered by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.
“This mural is more than paint on a wall—it’s a testament to the creativity, collaboration, and dedication of our young people,” said Megan McNally, Executive Director at The Foundry. “Through this project, students gained hands-on skills, built confidence, and created something beautiful that will be part of the community for years to come.”
The mural reflects the students’ own vision, developed through brainstorming sessions, sketching, and painting under the guidance of Foundry staff. The process gave participants the opportunity to explore design principles, develop technical skills, and work as a team toward a large-scale public art installation.
The Foundry’s summer youth programs blend art, design, and hands-on making with community service, offering students valuable experience while giving back to their neighborhoods. Projects like this mural not only beautify public spaces but also provide young people with opportunities to showcase their talents and contribute to the cultural fabric of Buffalo.
Event Details:
- Who: The Foundry, Summer Youth Artists, and Community Partners
- What: Ribbon Cutting for 100-Foot Mural Reveal
- When: Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM
- Where: The Foundry, 298 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY 14208
This celebration is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to join us in honoring the creativity and hard work of our youth and in unveiling a vibrant new piece of public art for Buffalo.
About The Foundry
The mission of Net+Positive is to foster ecologically, economically and socially viable neighborhood systems in the City of Buffalo by promoting community arts; providing mentoring and training opportunities for low-income, unemployed or underemployed individuals—particularly people of color and women; and encouraging environmentally sensitive community development.
The Foundry is the sole project of Net+Positive.
The Foundry uses an inclusive approach to advancing individuals through hands-on learning, entrepreneurship, and exposure to possibilities. We are an active, community-based makerspace committed to education and entrepreneurship. We regularly program in school and after school arts, STEM, and entrepreneurship sessions for youth; workforce development opportunities for young adults; hands-on classes for adults; and provide local maker entrepreneurs space and support for developing businesses.
For more information visit www.foundrybuffalo.org.