The talk of the town is the Albright-Knox’s latest mural effort in Downtown Buffalo. The south side of the Ciminelli Real Estate’s Sinclair Building – 465 Washington Street (working title) – has been transformed into a flowery scene the likes of which this city has never seen. Yes, we’ve witnessed some pretty fantastic murals going up around town, but the scale of this one is off the chart. It’s especially nice, considering that there was something missing at that corner, where Washington meets Broadway. Suddenly there is a colorful splash of life that will look sensational throughout the seasons.

Artist Louise “Ouizi” Jones has outdone herself with her latest effort. The floral design, which happens to be her specialty, worked perfectly with this particular wall, considering that history of the building as a hat manufacturer. Capitalizing on the floral nature of the mural, Ouizi incorporated flora native to Western New York, which might have been adorned women’s headpieces and broaches back in the day.

Another neat aspect of the mural that I never considered is the way that the sun plays off the work of art as it transitions throughout the day. It’s as if different parts of the work are “waking up” as the sunlight creeps across the building, similar to what would happen in a field of wildflowers.

This mural has been made possible through the generosity of Hodgson Russ LLP, Nottingham Advisors, and the New Era Cap Foundation. Additional support has been provided by Hyatt’s Graphic Supply Company and the sponsors of the Summer of AK.

The Public Art Initiative was established and is supported by leadership funding from the County of Erie and the City of Buffalo.

Bonus photo by Glenn Murray: