Buffalo businesses get a colorful touch of local art
A handful of Buffalo businesses received a colorful artistic touch as area artist Emily Victory, of Watertown, led a window painting techniques workshop sponsored by the Buffalo Art Guild on August 6. The window painting workshop was part of a free, on-going, artist-led series offered by the Buffalo Art Guild to the Buffalo area community, made possible in part by a grant from the Central MN Arts Board with funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature from its general fund.
“The workshop was open to all different levels of artistic ability. We had around 23 people participate. They were fantastic.”
Victory had a connection with Buffalo Art Guild President Shari Zimmerman, as the two have previously participated in art-themed workshops. “I’ve known Shari for a while now, and we’ve done workshops together. The Buffalo Art Guild was applying for a grant to conduct a series of workshops, and I was one of them. I know some of the people who are going to lead the other workshops. They’ll all be phenomenal.”
During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to combine creativity with community spirit by painting buffalo-themed designs on the windows of eight downtown businesses. The designs were drawn by Victory and then brought to life by workshop attendees, using high-quality acrylic paints creating eye-catching displays throughout the downtown area.
“The morning of the workshop I came around and drew with an acrylic paint pen on the windows and got them primed. I felt that if people had to design the window and paint them in the same night it’d be a little too much and also, I wanted to have something that I could run by the businesses that allowed us to paint their window so they’d have an idea of what design we were going to do. I ran the designs by each of the owners and sketched them out that morning and then primed them so if you paint on a white base, it pops more, and it’s easier to scrap off eventually.”
For workshop attendees, the project offered a chance to experience art in a different setting while contributing to the charm of downtown Buffalo. Rather than creating artwork that would remain inside an art room or taken home, the finished window pieces became part of the community, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy them as they walk through downtown.
“I’ve gotten messages from families who’ve gone downtown to walk around and see them. It makes me proud and happy.”
Victory paints murals, window art, teaches art classes, along with being a parttime art teacher with Watertown schools.
Victory, whose artwork and teaching have helped inspire others to explore their own creativity, guided participants through the process, and helped turn the buffalo designs into colorful window displays.
“This area keeps becoming increasingly supportive of art. It’s great. Along with Buffalo, we had people from Annandale, Hutchinson, and two people who drove from Fergus Falls.”
The workshop also highlighted the role the Buffalo Art Guild plays in bringing people together through art and providing opportunities for local artists and community members to learn, create, and share their talents.
With each painted window bringing its own personality to the downtown streetscape, the project served as a reminder that art can be found in the everyday places we live, work, and gather.
“It’s exciting to think that there is more art in the world because of these workshops,” said Victory.
To learn more about Emily Victory’s work visit: www.emvictorystudio.com.
Artist-led workshop series:
In total, the Buffalo Art Guild will sponsor 10 artist-led workshops thanks to a grant through the Central MN Arts Board. Most of the workshops will be held at the Buffalo Area Community Center All workshops in the series are free to attend. For specific details visit the Buffalo Art Guild website at: www.buffaloartguild.org.
Note: Some future workshops may not be listed on the guild website but will be updated as information becomes available.
•July: 4th of July Street Art Fest, led by Tamra Kowalski.
•August: Window Painting Techniques, led by Emily Victory.
•September: Mural Painting, led by LeAnna Wurzer.
•October: Beginning Mosaic Pavers, led by Stephanie Etzel.
•October: Horsehair Raku Pottery, led by Mae Spencer.
•November: Needle Felted Landscapes, led by Kristi Koziolek.
•November: Weaving Studio Tour and Workshop, led by Naomi Binsfeld.
•January: Cold Wax & Oil Painting, led by Dan Averbeck.
•February: Gelli Prints, led by Linda Pacel.
•March: Encaustic Painting, led by Jodi Reeb.
“This activity [workshop series] is made possible in part by a grant from the Central MN Arts Board with funds appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature from its general fund.”
