Pete the God, a fitting name for one of the most groundbreaking designers in Buffalo, New York.
Making strides in the design scene in Buffalo, Peter Olonade graduated from Buffalo State College in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in fashion and apparel design. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, he studied in Lagos, Nigeria for five years at the age of 11, returning to the U.S. to complete his high school education.
As a Buffalo State graduate, Peter is taking design to the next level. A mixed media artist, he has a passion for making rugs and tufting,
Tufting is “the process of punching a needle through backing material in the form of a loop or cut pile to create fascinating and beautiful pieces of art. The technique has been known for years and is is also known as rug hooking or needle punching. This specific craft can be used as a rug, upholstery projects, live art, home décor and fashion designing.”
Sounds complex, but when done by someone as creative and talented as Olonade, it turns into something amazing.
Apart from his studies, Olonade landed a residency at the C. Stuart and Jane. H Hunt Gallery located in the Brisbane Building. This residency allows artists in Buffalo the chance to work in a collaborative workspace. Olonade was there for four months and at the end of his time there, Olonade and other artists completed a group show. He also co-founded a program for community engagement for teenagers, young adults and seniors. In 2022, Pete was also named the Inaugural Lorna C. Hill Artist Development Fellow at Ujima Co.
Buffalo has shaped him to be “resilient” Olonade states. He mentions that staying patient and timely with his work is an important part to his success.
Follow Pete on instagram: @petethegod