Catching Up With B. West Studio
While cruising the art scene in Allentown last evening, I came across a gallery that was not on the foldout map. It's called B. West Studio and it's owner/director, Peter Caruso (top left), lives in Miami. You would think that a guy who lives in Miami, but still owns a gallery in Buffalo must be from this city. That's not the case though. Peter's originally from NYC. That's odd. So how does a guy who was born in NYC, and currently lives in Miami, own a gallery in Allentown? "I came here to visit a friend and decided that I wanted to open a gallery. The summers in Miami are unbearable, and the price to buy this building was too good to be true. In Miami I am in the insurance business... in Buffalo I own a gallery".
Peter's plans are to eventually live here for eight months out of the year. "I still like Miami, but I like the atmosphere and the people in Buffalo. When I first moved to Miami I liked the uniqueness of it. Now the shopping districts are all Banana Republic and Victoria Secret types of places. If we could get a grocery store where Latina Market used to be, then I could walk to everything around here." Today a couple of us stopped by to talk to Peter further, and he was so excited that he offered to give us a tour of his house. "I've been fixing it up slowly," he said. "The previous owner had an antique store, so all of the walls were covered in pegboard. The wood floors are in good shape for the most part and there's a ton of room for living (someday) and operating a gallery."
Most of the artists that Peter is showing at the gallery are local. Even Peter has a few of his own pieces on the walls. "My parents steered me away from being an artist because they owned a gallery in New York and knew how hard it could be. I really like to support the artists that I am featuring. There are a lot of young creative people around here."
If you are looking for a new gallery to check out, try stopping into B. West Studio at 148 Elmwood Avenue across from Cozumel.
What Others Have To Say
What Do You Think?
Related Articles
-
The Wait is Almost Over - BR's New Site
As we mentioned in our previous post, we’re in the process of changing the Buffalo Rising site. We’re almost there as we expect to launch the new site on Friday, December 19th.
In the meantime, posting will be light as we log new stories in the new publishing system which will only be viewable when we launch on Friday.
As always, we appreciate our users’ patience as we make this transition but we promise it will be well worth it. With faster load times, a comment view … - Dec 18th 2008, 11:32am
- Continue Reading
- 5 Comments
-
A Kennedy Visits Buffalo
Caroline Kennedy was in town for a visit with our mayor yesterday. A possible choice to succeed US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Kennedy's name has been mentioned along with that of Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (son of former New York Governor Mario Cuomo) and our own Byron Brown, among others.
Certainly, Kennedy has "been around politics" all of her life, which is to say she was born into a family of politicos and lived in the White House--neither of which would necessarily f … - Dec 18th 2008, 7:55am
- Continue Reading
- 32 Comments
-
Downtown Free Fare Zone May be Axed
Free light rail rides on downtown's above ground section could be derailed thanks to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's budget mess. That is the news coming out of a Buffalo Place meeting this morning. Facing a budget shortfall and reduced State operating assistance, the NFTA is scrambling for new revenue sources and is contemplating charging for rides along the lengthy downtown pedestrian mall.- Dec 17th 2008, 4:40pm
- Continue Reading
- 48 Comments
-
The NFTA Santa Ride
Well it is Christmas time in the city and the NFTA helped put people and especially children into the mood in a very festive and fun way. One of my favorite memories of childhood was taking the train downtown with my grandfather. I would gaze out the windows and watch the tunnel speed by. It always felt like we were going a million miles an hour.
Then there was the ability to stand up and walk around during the ride without the need to be strapped down. It was always a fun time … - Dec 17th 2008, 4:34pm
- Continue Reading
- Join the conversation
Comment Options
Antiques_Allentown
Peter is a neat guy and has a wonderful space. He is slowly transforming a neglected building into a viable gallery, studio, and residence. The art for sale is very affordable and displayed well. He is a welcome addition to the block and neighborhood. We can't wait till he moves here for good, I'm sure he will be a great neighbor.
Report this