Erie County today unveiled its first piece of public art commissioned under the county’s new Public Art initiative Friday, August 1 at 11 a.m. at the Erie County Health Mall, located at 1500 Broadway in Buffalo’s Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.
The Public Art Act, adopted in 2023, set aside funds for public artwork of up to 1% of the county’s total construction cost to be used to commission, maintain and care for public art installations.
This inaugural project was selected through a competitive process managed by the Erie County Arts in Public Places Committee, a volunteer group made up of local experts in art, architecture and cultural history. After reviewing more than 50 proposals, the committee selected a proposal submitted by Laura Valkwitch, a multidisciplinary artist based in Western New York.
Laura’s work is inspired by the dramatic and often dreamlike cloud formations that frequently fill the skies of the region. Her piece was developed in close collaboration with the Erie County Departments of Environment & Planning and Public Works, as well as community partners including the Buffalo AKG Art Museum.
“This is more than a work of art it’s a symbol of how public spaces can reflect and uplift the communities they serve,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, who was joined by members of the County Legislature, the Arts in Public Places Committee, and other county officials.
The installation is designed to provide a moment of reflection and beauty for visitors and patients alike, creating a lasting impression on those who come through the Health Mall’s doors.
A second public art unveiling is planned for mid-August.
For more information:
On the Erie County Arts in Public Places Initiative, visit: https://www4.erie.gov/publicart/.
