A sure bet to spruce up a district is with public art. With that in mind, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC), Visit Buffalo Niagara, and the Erie Canalway have commissioned Buffalo artist Nicole Cherry (a citizen of the Cayuga nation), along with designers/fabricators Rigidized Metals to create a new permanent art fixture on Marine Drive, near the Hanover intersection.
This art installation – steel 3-D letters, 5 feet tall and weighing more than 1,000 pounds – is considered Canalside’s newest Instragrammable fixture, along with Shark Girl (Inner Harbor) and Round Man (Outer Harbor).
“Buffalonians are proud of their city, so we expect the BUF sculpture at Canalside to quickly become a popular selfie site,” said ECHDC Board Chair Joan Kesner. “We have seen how prominent pieces of public art enhance the millions of dollars Governor Hochul has invested in the waterfront. I encourage families to take their holiday pictures by the new sculpture then head to the ice to say hello to Shark Girl and enjoy some time skating, riding the ice bikes, sipping hot chocolate, and taking in the holiday lights.”
Patrick Kaler, Visit Buffalo Niagara President & CEO said, “Visit Buffalo Niagara is thrilled to have played a part in bringing another piece of public art to our waterfront. We hope the BUF sign becomes an iconic gathering spot for Buffalonians who love their hometown as well as a must-see stop for visitors who want to share fun content on their social feeds. No matter who you are or where you’re from, we hope you enjoy this exciting new art installation.”
The $28,950 sculpture was made possible thanks to co-funders ECHDC, and Visit Buffalo Niagara (VBN). The latter secured a grant from the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor in advance of the incoming Worlds Canal Conference in Sept 2025.
“This sculpture will provide both residents and visitors alike another wonderful reason to enjoy Buffalo’s legendary waterfront,” said Erie Canalway Executive Director Bob Radliff. “We are proud to partner with Visit Buffalo Niagara and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation, two organizations that are making great things happen at Canalside and for all New Yorkers.“
For the latest updates to the waterfront winter schedule, visit buffalowaterfront.com.
