A giant new mural in the Old First Ward is now complete. Headed up by Marissa Lehner, ELAB’s Community Art Chair, along with a number of supportive artists, volunteers and movers and shakers, the mural titled “The Worker” got started during the City of Night event this past summer. Since that time, artists Nick Miller, Tom O’Brien, Amanda Gala Roney, Suzie Molnar Goad, Vinnie Alejandro, Nicole Cherry and Chris Kameck have all contributed to the mural, which has been painted on the Brock’s building at 41 Republic Street. The Old First Ward Community Center also had a hand in the project. The work of art is located just down the street from this other sprawling canvas.
According to Lehrer, “ELAB (Emerging Leaders in the Arts Buffalo) and The Old First Ward Community Center are excited for the completion of “The Worker”, a new mural created with the hard work and dedication our seven local artists since July. The artists filled in the letters “the worker” with different iconic imagery of Buffalo’s historic work force, many of which grew up and worked in the Old First Ward. Two scenes frame the large letters, one of the grain scoopers, the other of large steel working scene complete with molten metal and sparks. The mural is meant to pay homage to these workers, and their crucial role in making Buffalo such a powerhouse city in the 20th century. This piece of permanent public art is the first of hopefully many public art and beautification projects that will take place in the OFW through ELAB’s growing appreciation of the Old First Ward.”