AKG Public Art Initiative & Evergreen Health collaborate with local artist for new mural

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum continues to elevate the city’s visual landscape with its energetic Public Art Initiative, making art accessible across Buffalo’s neighborhoods.

This effort recently marked a meaningful milestone with the unveiling of a vibrant mural by Bree Gilliam at Evergreen Health and Community Access Services' new healthcare center on Bailey Avenue.

The mural, bursting with color and optimism, features two smiling figures set against a sky that hints at renewal.

A field of daisies grounds the mural—a symbol of new beginnings that resonates deeply with the healthcare center’s mission to deliver inclusive and judgment-free care for Buffalo’s East Side.

Community leaders and advocates attended the mural’s celebration, underscoring how public art and civic investments go hand in hand to revive pride and hope in neighborhoods like Kensington-Bailey.

The project highlights the power of collaboration between local artists and institutions, forging spaces where both art and community health can flourish.

Bree Gilliam, a Buffalo native and figure painter, has rapidly gained recognition for her expressive style and the emotional honesty found in her work.

She is also the founder of Paintphoria, the first paint-throwing studio in Buffalo, further cementing her status as a creative force shaping the city’s art scene.

Gilliam's commitment to depicting marginalized voices brings urgency and depth to every project she undertakes in Western New York.

The Public Art Initiative, since its launch, has delivered more than 60 significant artworks throughout Buffalo and Erie County, positioning the city as a canvas for creative expression and community engagement.

Buffalo AKG Art Museum itself carries a legacy as one of the oldest public art institutions in the United States, having championed living artists and bold projects for over 160 years.

Now, with its revitalized campus and steady commitment to public projects like Gilliam’s mural, the museum is at the center of a vibrant urban transformation.

Local residents say the growing presence of public art has brought about a sense of belonging and lifted spirits, making Buffalo’s neighborhoods brighter and more connected than ever.