FREE
Great Lawn and Wilson Town Square

Join us for a very special Art Alive as we celebrate 30 years of one of the Buffalo AKG’s most beloved traditions!

SUBMIT YOUR TABLEAU HERE

Art Alive invites participants to bring works of art to life through creative, living re-creations of works from the Buffalo AKG’s collection and Public Art Initiative. These striking interpretations—known as tableaux—use people, costumes, props, and imagination to transform artwork into a three-dimensional experience. The competition is open to everyone, including students, families, community groups, organizations, and individual participants.

To mark this milestone anniversary, we're introducing an exciting new category: Edible Art. Professional pastry chefs, bakers, and dessert artists are invited to recreate a work of art using cake, cupcakes, cookies, or other edible mediums. Guests will vote for their favorite visual design, while a panel of judges will award prizes for taste and execution.

This year’s celebration shines a spotlight on the Buffalo AKG itself. Participants are encouraged to explore the museum’s collection and Public Art Initiative for inspiration, offering fresh perspectives on the artworks that make our institution unique. We can’t wait to see the creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit that come together to make Art Alive’s 30th anniversary an unforgettable celebration of art in all its forms.

SUBMIT YOUR TABLEAU HERE

The deadline to submit is September 10, 2026.

More than $4,000 in prizes will be awarded to the creators of the winning tableaux and edible art entries. Throughout the event, guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tableaux and edible art creations, while a panel of local judges will select Best in Show winners in both categories.

Awards and prizes will be presented across the following categories:

Best in K–8  
Best in 9–12  
Best in Individuals (17 & under)  
Best in Individuals (18+)  
Best in Households/Groups
Best Tableaux
Best Edible Art  

We invite the entire community to join us as we celebrate 30 years of Art Alive and honor the artists, performers, bakers, and community members who continue to bring art to life in inspiring and unexpected ways.