American, born 1991
Artist Saira Siddiqui leading a workshop at Stitch Buffalo. Photo: Jeff Mace
Participate
284 Plymouth Avenue, Buffalo, New York
Polytab
Art can be a powerful tool for making places that people feel loved in and connected to. For immigrants, placemaking is an art born of necessity. Artist Saira Siddiqui is leading a collaboration between the refugee artisans of Stitch Buffalo and the public with the support of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum to create a mural that fosters belonging and celebrates diverse voices.
Siddiqui is an artist that helps people harness the creative potential within their communities. Her Stitch Buffalo mural will integrate the stories and contributions of refugee and immigrant communities.
The project builds on the work of Stitch Buffalo, a nonprofit that empowers refugee women and brings people together through textile arts. Stitch offers workshops for refugee women who are skilled in the making of hand-sewn textiles, provides classes for the community taught by these women as well as staff members, and has robust program for repurposing donated textiles.
Members of the public will have a number of ways to contribute their thoughts and inspiration to the design and creation of the mural that will cover Stitch Buffalo’s new Plymouth Avenue building.
Join us for our upcoming public paint days! Throughout April and May, Saira will lead public paint days at the Buffalo AKG and 1239 Niagara Street. These workshops invite the community to co-create a public space that reflects diverse experiences. Learn More
Saira Siddiqui specializes in people, places, and experiences to help them harness the creative potential within their communities. With over a decade of experience, Siddiqui is a working artist with specializations in commercial district revitalization, placemaking, community engagement, and creativity.
This project is made possible through the generosity of the Rich Family Foundation and the Rich Family Fund for Community Access, with additional support from an anonymous donor in honor of the Stitch Buffalo Families.
The Public Art Initiative is supported by the County of Erie and the City of Buffalo.
