Nothing says buy local like an artist’s fantastic rendition of a paint can, dripping with Buffalo love. Artist Vinny Alejandro has broadcasted another brilliant message for all of Buffalo to see. The mural can be viewed on the side of Buffalo Paint and Wallpaper, located at 2917 Bailey Avenue. I called Vinny to talk to him about the mural, just as he was sitting down to lunch at his favorite Puerto Rican food joint – Montes Grocery and Deli (413 Swan Street – see Facebook).
“I’m celebrating the completion of the mural,” Vinny told me. “I always treat myself to Puerto Rican food whenever I finish a project. Today I chose Montes, because it’s close to home and the food is out of this world.”
Vinny was commissioned by Dominic and Laura Fulciniti, from Buffalo Paint & Wallpaper (2917 Bailey Avenue), to create a mural that was pro Buffalo, pro local, and pro paint. He came up with a real beauty this time – a work of art that represents his own sentiment for Buffalo, the city he returned to a few short years ago. “The owners of the paint shop are great,” said Vinny. “They have had this business on Bailey for decades. They have another one on Hertel now too. Their showrooms are gorgeous – they are a top notch business that is competing against the chains. That’s why I wanted to paint the “buy local” message on the paint can. Plus, they have their own Buffalo branded paint. They deserve our business for not only sticking with it all these years, but growing in the process.”
Looking at Vinny’s creation, it reminds me of a lot of the old faded murals that can be found around Downtown Buffalo. Instead of putting up a cheap sign, the owners took the time to seek out a local artisan to paint a proper sign. The result is eye-catching and to the point.
“Hopefully this will get them even more exposure,” added Vinny. “It was enjoyable to paint. I’m definitely having more fun these days – I love the Buffalo-based stuff. If it screams “Buffalo”, then I love to paint it. It’s why I moved back home – anything that I can do to make this city a better place to live!”
Buffalo Paint and Wallpaper | 2917 Bailey Avenue & 1203 Hertel Avenue | Buffalo, New York | 716-838-2500 | 716-877-0017 | Facebook