Art vendors praise area for its support

By Brielynn Bell and Margot Harris

BengalNews Reporters

            Hand knitted accessories, self-painted sculptures, self concocted cosmetic and body products and self-welded jewelry filled the Burchfield Penny Art Center April 26 and 27 at the first ever Artists in Buffalo Spring Show.

            The event showcased local West Side companies on the rise and was also a fundraising opportunity for Burchfield Penney.

            All of the artists who participated will be donating 20 percent of their sales to support the ongoing mission of the museum. 

            Many businesses at the event are located on the West Side or have sold their products in the community and at the art center.

Vendors give their views of the business side of art:            


           Allison Kurek is a mixed media artist who sells original paintings and prints as well as small gift items such as, bottle stoppers, magnets, notecards and pendants.

“Western New York isn’t the most vibrant economic area, but I think that people want to support local.” Kurek said.

Kurek believes that the West Side offers ample opportunity for new business owners to venture into the professional world. Her advice for fellow business owners was to be able to market ones brand and to have faith.

            Kurek does not have a storefront, but has focused on selling her Silent Mylo Studio products in the West Side because she feels that the area itself is a great market to be in.

            Shaun Silverwood is a copper enamellist who lives on Amherst Street and sells her line of jewelry Roadkiln Products from home. Silverwood showcased her originally designed jewelry at the show and She explained that she doesn’t make jewelry for the money, she does it to make customers enjoy their shopping experience and to keep them satisfied with one of a kind jewelry.  

            The West Side has helped her business reach broader scopes than she anticipated. Silverwood began her business selling jewelry out of her house, but has gained popularity in the West Side and started to sell her products at local stores such as Westside Stories and the art center. The show has contributed to helping Silverwood promote her products as well.

            “This has been a fantastic show for me,” Silverwood said. “It’s a first-time show, so we didn’t have high expectations, but I’ve been doing really well.”

She feels that events like this give hope to business owners who don’t have storefronts, but are still trying to be successful in their trade. 

            Buffalo Gal Organics is an online cosmetics company owned by West Side resident Kasia Cummings. She is the chemist behind her line of natural, vegan body and cosmetic products. She sells her products in the community but also ships her products nationally and internationally.

            “I grew up on the West Side and although I have been blessed with the opportunity of travelling, this is home and will always be home,” Cummings said. “I think that local is the best way to go and I sincerely want to give hope to other local business owners by saying ‘you can make it here.’ It takes a lot of dedication, but it’s definitely possible.”

            A full list of artists who showcased at the event can be found on Buffalo State’s event calendar.