Near the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, located in the same building as the Amtrak station, there are a number of brightly colored murals. These vividly colored murals offer a story about local history. They tell the story of freedom seekers who traveled north to find safety across the river in Canada. They tell a story of life in Niagara Falls during good times and bad. The murals were painted by local artists, mostly from Buffalo and Niagara Falls, who shared their creative vision of the world and of their community. These murals were made possible by a grant from the New York Health Foundation. Here are a few of them.
What could capture the image of freedom better than monarch butterflies that migrate for thousands of miles? The artist’s name is Bree Gilliam, and she created this mural in 2023. Bree is a Buffalo-based artist, who is the owner and founder of Paintphoria, Buffalo’s first open studio
splatter room. Doesn’t that sound like fun? You literally get to go into a room and throw paint and pretend that you’re Jackson Pollack. Bree says that Paintphoria is that “emotional state between being happy and creative.” Paintphoria gives you the freedom to make a big mess as you create something fun and abstract.
Niagara Falls is an interesting and diverse place to visit: nature, entertainment – and, as it turns out, art. I don’t think I’ve come across it when we were there. Thank you for sharing!
You’re very welcome. Apparently, there are several public art projects occurring in Niagara Falls. I need to check out some of the others!
I went to Niagara Falls with my family as a young child a handful of times! The power of the water is incredible. But, I never got to see the surrounding towns, art, or culture!
I absolutely love the images you’ve shared. These murals are powerful and important symbols and reminders of our history
I’m really happy that you enjoyed Niagara Falls! It’s really wonderful to live so close by! In the next few days, I will write a blog post about the Underground Railroad Heritage Center. It’s a small museum but very wonderful and full of information about how the people who escaped from slavery (the freedom seekers) came to Niagara Falls, which was near the end of their journey toward freedom and safety.
I remember when Rich and I visited Niagara Falls the winter of 1966. He bought me a faux fur coat for my birthday and I wore that when we went. All those years and I still remember that day, what I wore and the beautiful falls. The murals are amazing!
What a wonderful memory you have, Martha!
Beautiful – thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome.