Fantastic community space and art gallery!…read more I spontaneously ended up here on a Friday night for the Loryn Spangler-Jones art opening; I didn't know what to expect and walked in to check out a large two-story space. It seemed like the bottom floor was more of a store with past artists work for sale, so I made my way up and was enthusiastically greeted by Loryn herself. The artist was a great host -- let me know of the complimentary pizza (from Gino's NY next door) available and to help myself to any beer or wine. Nice! I enjoyed walking around the space and taking in her work and chatting with her afterward about her experience coming to Buffalo. Visiting the gallery was akin to visiting a good friend's house - everyone was friendly and welcoming and it was a joyous way to spend a Friday night. The space itself has infinite raw potential and Don, the owner -- seemed to be very open to collaborating and using his space for various projects. The lighting here is great as well; able to be manipulated to create a unique and moody ambiance. Loved to be able to finally check it out.

Tonight ZGM Fine Arts and Photo 2 Graphics owner Don Zinteck hosted a Peruvian Dinner Buffet…read morecreated by Pure Peru owner and chef Martha Sosa. Patrons dined on both levels of the beautifully lit gallery and feasted on some of Martha's finest Peruvian faire thus far. My absolute favorites were the Seco de Tofu, Cau Cau, and Escabeche de Tilapia. I also enjoyed the Aji de Gallina. Everyone seemed to agree that the Papa Rellena (Stuffed Potatoes) were the star appetizer. As a seafood lover I really enjoyed the Ceviche while the dessert lovers dove into the Purple Pudding. Pop-up events such as this one give the community an opportunity to preview what's coming. As Buffalo stakes its claim as one of the most diverse ethnic food and restaurant centers in the country we hope to see more events like these. On the horizon for these two event hosts: Don & Diann Zintek will be renaming their gallery as simply "1045" in the very near future. Martha Sosa and Pure Peru will be having their soft opening to the long awaited "first" Peruvian restaurant in Buffalo located at the West Side Bazaar making it the home to 4 ethnic restaurants. Job well done and good luck to Don Zinteck of ZGM (1045) and to Martha Sosa of Pure Peru for a great and tasty event. For those who missed it - keep your eye on the West Side Bazaar.

Starlight Studio is one of my favorite places in the city--really a hidden gem. The studio is…read moredevoted to supporting adults with disabilities in their artistic development. The result is a truly energized, positive, and uplifting space where imaginations are unleashed. The gallery hosts a wide variety of solo/group art shows throughout the year, featuring work by both Starlight artists and other local painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramicists, and more. Most include live music, food trucks, and some snacks. The quality of the artwork is always outstanding. And supporting the studio's efforts with a purchase (always very reasonably priced) is a double-plus good--you get great art for your home; the studio gets to keep supporting and training these wonderful artists. If you need a serious feel-good, pick-me-up, head to Starlight. I always feel lighter, happier, and more inspired after a visit.

This is a very cool art gallery where all the artists on display and in-residence have some sort of…read moredevelopmental disorder. You'd think the art would reflect that in some way, but I couldn't tell! A lot of the works on display are something that I could only dream of creating. The space is very open and inviting. There is an artist teacher here, Lily who supports and mentors those who are a part of the Starlight Gallery. The space is bright and they often have live music, wine, etc for First Friday's and it's a great time to check them out (or anytime during their regular hours).

For a solid year, I wanted to go to a first Friday at the AKG. I didn't want to be there one to…read moreattempt Buffalo driving (we circled around to parallel park at 430) and needed someone to echo my musings. Well, I finally made it! We went through check in, where you had to fork over a suggested donation (instead of the usual 22 dollars). They take card, though we gave cash, which seemed like an easier way to exercise the discount. They offered an extra paid section to opt into for an extra 8 dollar charge that we turned down, taking our tiny tags. They're dinky and reusable and gotta attach somewhere to your person. She had also given me a wristband for the strap of Duckles, which had to be checked by a second girl who warned me that I could not wear my knapsack on my back. Could make it a tummy sack or an elbow purse to avoid bumping things, which is how I ended up cradling a stuffed duck around the museum. We hadn't nabbed a map and thought we could wing it. There are qr codes scattered about for info beyond the placards and finding where you have landed. We lucked out and scored a paper map abandoned on one of the numerous benches (there's also chairs and pull out chairs hanging for your resting pleasure) that we attempted to read. My directionally challenged self asked one of the security to send us off to the bridge, given two choices of route. We dodged the scenic way for a temporary outdoor escape, passing more art. Popping back inside we absorbed even more subsets of time and genre, respecting drawn boundaries and only touching things that said we could. There were things that touched us, our souls, that we could take photos of. There were also bizarre things and a bit of nudity. It's all art, including the special presentations and live music and everyday artists sketching in the hall. There was an interactive exhibit in the main that we skipped in the name of rumbling tummies, though we didn't try the cafe. Also avoided the gift shop, cutting out as the crowd began to swell around 6. The place was impeccably clean despite the abundance of windows and smudge worthy doors. It was worth coming out, though I'm unsure how often the exhibits rotate. Come see an authentic famous few and many more that'll have you saying the Albright is pretty *alright*.

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is our local pride, and requires no advertising or persuasion to visit…read more Believe me, it's a fantastic destination. It's a beautiful space with a nice collection of fine arts. There is a new, three-story extension, a whole new building actually. So, be sure to have plenty of time to explore everything. Their website is very informative and easy to navigate. Check out the current special events and exhibitions. Currently, among others, on display is the "One with Eternity" by Yayoi Kusama, which includes her two Infinity Mirror Rooms and "Pumpkin", a giant orange pumpkin in an orange room covered with black dots. Tickets for this exhibition must be purchased separately and are valid for specific time slots. If there is a big crowd that day, wait a little and don't come from the beginning of your time slot (or figure this out by yourself). We had to leave and come back after a ridiculous experience. Waiting twenty minutes in line to see the actual installation for forty five seconds!? It was very confusing, and I believe there must be a different way to actually enjoy Kusama's work. We came back to see the second room with no wait, but still, with the forty five seconds rule. Ugh... Yes, let's loop if this is the only way which works. Don't forget, the general museum admission is free on the first Friday of the month, and I like that price.

This is a great Art Gallery, it also has a paper and gift boutique. They sell invitations, cards,…read morejewelry, soy candles, and Carol's Daughter body and hair products.

Cool little gallery tucked behind a warehouse on Essex.read more

Big Orbit Gallery was the venue for our Slow Roll on 8/24. That night we had almost 1,400 riders…read morepacked in the area, along with a couple of food trucks. Despite the small space, I think we all managed to fit in there very well. I didn't get a chance to explore inside of the gallery, but the area outside really seemed cool. There were a few art pieces in the foliage, and murals on the walls. It was a pretty awesome space to be in, and I wish I could have been able to check it out a little more, but I am so glad that they let us host our ride here. It is definitely the sort of place that deserves attention. Quite the hidden jem in Buffalo.

Super cool gallery/bar. I loved the vintage vibe and setup. We went on a Friday night so there was…read morea DJ in the second room. The music had a nice vibe, somewhere along the lines of EDM, trance, and dub step. The actual bar is pretty small and in the back but there's lots of quaint seating that's almost living room style. Comfy couches and chairs facing each other so it's easy to chat with friends. Their menu mostly features craft cocktails, with a few wine and beer options. There's security at the door checking ID and no food options. So no kids and be sure to eat beforehand cuz the drinks are good and strong.

We were surprised by the length of the wine and beer list. They also have specialty cocktails,…read moreincluding seasonal offerings. I took a chance on the Vampire's Blood cosmo despite having no idea what beet juice tastes like or caring for tart cherry juice, and the risk paid off. It was excellent. It still tasted like a cosmo because of the vodka and citrus, but with an unusual twist. There were three art shows on exhibit. We thought The One by Harry Michalakeas was vampire themed photography, but they were actually pastel/charcoal drawings. Blown away. The other exhibits, Monstrous Dreams by Adam Cooley and Sinister Piffle by Michael Reedy were also very cool. Apt for Halloween, without being too on the nose. The venue also has a lot of unique works by other artists on display, and a space for large music. They host everything from concerts to art shows to author signings, even burlesque. The bar is small with a few tall chairs. There are also small cafe tables and some cozy chairs and sofas. Such a unique and exciting venue.

I recently started creating a portfolio of art and used Buffalo Big Print to capture my art scans…read moreand create my giclée prints for sale at my new business. I was able to invest in a bulk order and saved quite a bit with their generous bulk pricing options. Barrett and his team are a joy to work with and were able to digitize my difficult artworks that include gold leaf paint and colour correct accurately for the glare. My original works are 5x7s and the 8x10s look great and the proofs of 11x14s as well. I was given some extra goodies as sample proofs. I also had note card sets made and amazing stickers with a foam core display. Barrett also customized the backs of my cards with a variation on my sticker designs that is super cool and took the time to brand my stickers with my business name. Buffalo Big Print will take the time to get it right and treat your art with respect. I'd recommend them to any artist looking for high quality ink jet prints of their artworks. They offer many tiers of paper and prints.

The staff here are very friendly and knowledgeable, creates a comfortable environment for people…read morewho aren't familiar with the process. I had years worth of artwork that I wanted to frame and Ryan worked with me to find the most affordable option with what I had in mind. Would highly recommend!

The current exhibition (Oct 2023) is about microplastics and their impact on the environment. This…read moreshow is definitely worth a visit. On the Metro Rail near the Fountain Plaza station in the Market Arcade.

CEPA is an excellent gallery. I enjoy the exhibits and love the location. I am lucky to work…read moredowntown and be able to visit this gallery on my lunch break when I need a bit of culture to brighten my day. Also the current exhibit is excellent and I recommend every one to see it. It is not a large gallery so you can really take your time examine the work of the artist. CEPA also offers a lot of great activities and perks if you're a member. Become a member while you visit the gallery :)