Wheat paste artists Christopher M. Kameck and Max Collins are keeping busy these days. One of their latest combined efforts is on the back side of The Filling Station restaurant, and in a recessed nook off to another side. This time their assignment was to help tell the story of the Larkin experience, by showcasing historic images. At the same time the two incorporated a number of current images of people who live in the neighborhood, or who have in one form or another interacted with Larkinville (by mail, by phone, in person, etc.)
By doing this, a fairly nondescript back side of the restaurant now has a graphic appeal that makes an otherwise forgettable walk (pass through) from one side of the square to the other an enjoyable experience (for those who take time to stop and smell the roses).
Last evening I stopped by Larkin Square to grab a beer and collect my thoughts (and photos). It was there that I encountered the Buffalo Reading Invasion, as visitors (with books in hand) strolled up to the square, plopped down all around, and began to read books quietly and contentedly. The Whole Hog food truck was there too, which helped to round out the offerings.
As people read their books Larkinville’s Director of Fun, Leslie Zemsky (who happened to be on duty that evening), took me around to show me the wheat pastes and we talked about the summer’s countless successes ranging from South Buffalo Night to Food Truck Tuesdays.
Larkin Square is one of the only places around that you can walk the grounds with a beer in hand, thanks to a full liquor license that has been secured for ongoing event purposes.
While Larkin Square might have made a name for itself with the successful music series, it continues to draw curiosity seekers on any given evening thanks to the well-planned nature of the site. Where else can you grab a hula hoop, play a game a pickle ball or simply stop and smell the (real) flowers of which there are many, many to choose from?
Flowers by Napier
