Our Story

Buffalo Art Movement (BAM!) supports the development and works of emerging and established artists in Western New York. As an exhibition space and art incubator, we strive to foster collaboration among artists, patrons, students, galleries and art institutions within our community. We are a space free of commercial, political, religious, socioeconomic and ethnic bias, where ideas and new voices are celebrated. Our vision is to provide a platform for local artists to flourish beyond the borders of WNY.

We are calling for artists of all mediums to visit our gallery and reimagine our exhibition space.

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What began as a hobby of art collecting soon became a passion that led founder, Dr. Francisco J. Hernandez-Ilizaliturri (better known as Paco), to establish Buffalo Art Movement. Throughout his years of collecting, Paco has been able to curate a vast collection of works that highlight and celebrate the talents of WNY artists. Additionally, his passion for cultivating the arts in our community has led to an invitation of serving at the Burchfield Penney Art Center as a member of the board of trustees. When he is not at BAM! Paco can be found at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, as the Director of the Lymphoma Research Program and Professor of Oncology. In creating BAM! Paco aspires to continue his work of supporting local artists by inviting them into a space where they can share their vision with our community.

Isabelle is a highly motivated and dynamic individual who strives to bring BAM!’s artistic and contemporary vision to life from behind the scenes.
She is currently studying Fashion Textile and Technology at Buffalo State University, where she is developing her skills in fashion merchandising, marketing, and styling.
Isabelle excels in supporting photoshoots, fashion shows, and managing a robust social media presence, and she is eager to continue expanding her expertise in these areas.
Isabelle’s approach to style and creativity is progressive and innovative, and she strives to infuse this mindset into everything she does.

As a universal visionary and experimentalist, Brooke Blakely is known for her creative outlook on several unique & independent channels of expression. Some skills involve but are not limited to: sustainable design, collage, paint, fibers, sculpture, weave, abstract design, film, & sound. Brooke has earned an INS graduate degree in Fiber Arts & Fashion Design from Buffalo State College, now pursuing her experience & creative direction here at Buffalo Art Movement (BAM!). As much as she loves being behind the scene and curating the next visionary moment, you can also find her in front of the camera modeling her multi-brand OGLXRY or collaborating with some of Buffalo, New York’s finest photographers, and creatives. Brooke is an original thinker, innovator, and healer, naturally conceptualizing outside of material matters to help create the perfect experience for all to perceive and enjoy.
All Ideas & Forms of Expressionistic Artistry are Welcome.

Like a fairy from the forest, Alex joined the BAM! team to assist our expansive contemporary vision. Alex studies & pushes the boundary of Fashion & Art Design through their effortless ability to create art out of apparel construction.
Their innovative passion for fashion is expressed through several mediums of work, as Alex also advises their styling expertise at local consignment shop Second Chic. As a freelance costume designer, Alex is open to commissioning their design work & tailoring skills for all to bear on and off the runway stage. Their charismatic charm and talents speak highly of their expansive nature and bring a unique experience and direction to our broad presence here at BAM!

Press

Visit Buffalo Niagara: Stores With Stories: Buffalo Art Movement

Boston Globe: Fritz Proctor IV is the Bob Ross of TikTok

Buffalo Rising: Buffalo Art Movement and Red Disk Partner in Celebration of Local Art at Historic Pierce Arrow Complex

Buffalo Rising: BAM! Buffalo Art Movement Gallery Opening

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal: Fritz Proctor IV is making his mark in the world of fine arts

Lockport Union-Sun & Journal: New BAM! exhibit celebrates Western New York artists