Community Canvases takes infrastructure, such as signal boxes, light poles and garbage totes, and turnes them into canvases of original artwork that reflects the historical, coultural and georgraphic features of each community. One thing that is unique about Buffalo is how incredibly diverse it is. From the immigrant and refugee populations in the West Side, to the many heritage corridors sprinkled throughout the city, Community Canvases aims to turn neighborhood infrastructure into works that reflect the celebrated differences that ultimately unite our city.

Our first series of art was focused on Tonawanda Street in Buffalo's Riverside neighborhood. We used local artists to paint designs illustrating historical concepts like the War of 1812, geographic themes like the river and the park, as well as messages showing the connectedness of the residents.