2026 Locations and Artists

Harlem Rd. & Westmoreland Rd.

• Artist: Jessica Graham
  
  
  • Biography:
    I have long painted small portraits with watercolor or pencil, but the covid shutdown inspired me to take my art outdoors. I joined the community of chalk artists in WNY and have participated in several events each year, such as those held at Riverworks, Lockport, Perry, North Tonawanda, Hamburg and Glen Park. I continue to seek other opportunities at the school where I work as a science teacher, using windows, stairwells, or classroom walls as a canvas. What is truly fulfilling is when my students join me in my vision, or they create art or science projects on their own accord. I aim to cultivate a scientific mind that incorporates creativity, resourcefulness and mindful intention. Beyond using public art to invigorate normally mundane spaces, I hope to educate and inspire anyone that walks by with realistic images and clever concepts that explore a blend of nostalgia, community, and contemporary culture.
  
  
  • Inspiration:
    The lyrics to “America the Beautiful” captivated me when I was a child. They poetically flourish with imagery and I could aways visualize them. For the traffic box project, I aimed to keep to the required theme of celebrating America’s birthday without relying on a familiar red, white, and blue color scheme. So, in an effort to stand out yet still honor our nation’s 250th, my traffic box features yellow and amber grain, purple mountains, green farmland, and blue skies forever.

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Maple Rd. & Culpepper Rd.

• Artist: Makena St. George
  
  
  • Biography:
    Makena St. George is a multidisciplinary artist based in Buffalo, NY, whose work spans a variety of mediums, including acrylic paint, collage, mixed media, printmaking, digital drawing, and writing. Her work is rooted in childhood memories and a deep connection to the natural world.
    
    Through each piece, she invites viewers into intimate moments shaped by the memories and emotions that have shaped her. Makena is an art student at the University at Buffalo (Class of ’29) and is excited to continue her artistic journey there. She is passionate about sharing her work with the local community and has exhibited across Western New York, including at the University at Buffalo, Daemen University, Buffalo Seminary, the Glen Park Art Festival, Hertel Fall Festival, Allen Street Art, and many more. She is committed to engaging with local artists and audiences and looks forward to contributing to Buffalo’s vibrant cultural scene.
  
  
  • Inspiration:
    With my traffic signal cabinet design, I aim to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States while also honoring the life of Erin Suszynski, who tragically lost her life in 2012 while attempting to cross Maple Road. A few years after her passing, “Erin’s Crosswalk” was installed to help prevent similar tragedies. Through my design, I wanted to create a piece at this intersection that represents hope and strength in the face of hardship. I’ve always admired the public art found throughout Buffalo and I’m proud to contribute to that creative spirit while helping make art more accessible to my community.

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N. Forest Rd. & Stahl Rd.

• Artist: Kaleigh Day
  
  
  • Biography:
    Kaleigh Day is a visual artist and muralist based in Niagara Falls, New York. Her work explores themes of nature, transformation, and connection through vibrant imagery and storytelling. She has exhibited her artwork at local art festivals throughout Western New York and presented a solo exhibition at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens. In addition to her studio practice, Kaleigh has created several public art murals across Niagara Falls, contributing to projects that celebrate local history, culture, and community.
  
  
  • Inspiration:
    For this mural, I wanted to explore patriotism through a broader lens. One rooted not only in national symbols, but in shared history, landscape, and collective hope. By blending iconic imagery with vibrant color and movement, the piece reflects America as both a place and an evolving story shaped by many voices.

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W Klein Rd. & Paradise Rd.

• Artist: Dr. Meghana Bapardekar-Nair
  
  
  • Biography:
    Dr. Meghana is a multidisciplinary artist based in Buffalo, NY who loves experimenting with oil, acrylic, watercolor, sculpting, clay-ceramic, glass, metal embossing, writing, and exploring combinations of a variety media in traditional and contemporary arts. She is a Faculty & Staff working at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center/University at Buffalo since 2005 and recipient of ‘2026 Woman of Distinction Award’ from the New York State Assembly, recognized by the Office of Governor of New York for her professional excellence and dedicated public service over the years. A Nature Enthusiast, Avid Traveler, A proud mom of two well rounded kids, Multi linguist, serving prestigious advisory and public boards, she is also the winner of Albright Knox Gallery (AKG) Art Alive Contest-2025 (Public's Choice by voting) and Selected Artist for Traffic Signal Box Arts-2026, Town of Amherst. An ardent artist, who loves handcrafted designing including rich Indian heritage where she originally comes from, blending in worlds’ culture. She has exhibited her artwork at local art festivals throughout Western New York, contributing to projects that celebrate local history, culture, and diverse community.
    
    She is a life member of Indian Women Scientists' Association (IWSA) and volunteer member of Women in Science (WIS), has written a book chapter in Marine Chemistry, holds Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Dual Masters in Analytical and Medicinal Chemistry and a PhD in Chemical Oceanography along with numerous publications in prestigious journals including Nature (Oncogene-Nature), an expert in 14C dating, 32P DNA adducts post labeling, preclinical and clinical trials in Cancer and HIV fields; an essential staff and frontliner working throughout COVID pandemic; recognized in Buffalo Business News (2013) for her contributions in the field of cancer research.
    
    Dr. Meghana has been recognized for her exceptional leadership in addressing the needs of immigrant and refugee communities, cross cultural interfaith forums, youth development, women empowerment, civic engagement, education and policy awareness through community service platforms like Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center where she has been on Diversity-Inclusion, Interfaith and Spiritual Care committees since 2010, and elected chair (2022-current); Initiated and led Diversity awareness programs, promoting intercultural inclusion through spiritual forums, festival celebrations, interfaith talks/luncheon discussions; Maintaining on-campus festival calendars. Initiated & designed colorful bookmarks for annual festivals' calendar (2010), since then popular and handy at work desks. Creating artwork, Arts for healing (Annual Art exhibit, Inaugural 2022-current). This Holistic approach including Yoga and Meditation sessions towards patient care helps improve overall health and fast recovery.
    
    The unique ability to advocate for youth through the eyes of both a parent and a staff in Williamsville Central School District since 2014, serving as an Interpreter-Translator for 4 Indian languages, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and Malayalam, conducting kindergarten interviews; progress evaluations; helping with conferences and educational activities; word-for-word translations for state exams and evaluations of NYS Seal of Bi-literacy exams; Mentoring Annual Professional Development Sessions for District teachers, which boost cultural awareness and classroom communication.
    
    Dr. Meghana has also been a key contributor to various community organizations over the years since 2008, such as Founding member of the Marathi Language School at Buffalo Marathi Mandal/Mitra Parivar; Founding member of CHAI (Council of Arts and Heritage of India); Founding Executive member of APAPA (Asian Pacific Americans Public Affairs); Community member and volunteer of HCS (Hindu Cultural Society of WNY) and IAB (India Association of Buffalo); Active Volunteer at AKG (Albright Knox Art Gallery), Mentoring and helping with cultural events/Art exhibits at Buffalo public libraries; Mentors 'Art for Healing' with Buffalo Public Schools, Buffalo Urban League Resource Center, and Burchfield Penney Art Center. She recently joined Amherst Town Arts and Culture in Public places Board. Her involvement and passion for arts demonstrate community building and cultural pride, strengthening cross cultural connections in a fruitful manner past 2 decades, which includes her pivotal role in bringing Cricket grounds in the area; petitioning for Diwali festival, which is a Holiday in Williamsville school district; Gandhi anti-violence monument in Amherst, India day parade, various initiatives of Fundraisers, Health camps, Indian Consular services, Traditional/Folk dance choreography, Art exhibitions, Sports committees, and so on...
    
    Artwork (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10211048696392454
    
    Megha Arts (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/ArtsMegha/
  
  
  • Inspiration:
    Art certainly gives us an opportunity of expressing imaginations, emotions or simply being humble rendering of our existence and awareness. It gives us vital mental and physical strength find our true selves during the roller coaster of life. It is rooted in personal experiences, surroundings, and innovative practices to create originality. Being a Nature enthusiast, I find it profound source of design to orchestrate the elements in desired outcome. Here is the vibrant patriotic display by blending iconic landscape of the area, mighty Niagara Falls; the National Flag symbolizing country's identity, history, and values; the National Emblem bald eagle, which embodies strength, courage, and freedom, perfect to celebrate United States’ semiquincentennial, reflecting connection between art, nature, history, learning, community pride and engagement.

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