Buffalo Art: Small pieces of art are key to major fundraiser, community-builder

By Mandy Myers

At Buffalo Arts Studio, the upcoming “Live on Five” exhibition is centered on community, creating a space where artists and audiences can connect. Through an interactive auction format and a focus on accessibility, the event brings together hundreds of local creatives and community members under one roof. 

The annual event functions as a fundraiser, exhibition and auction in one, supporting the Buffalo Arts Studio while showcasing a wide range of local talent. 

A free preview of the exhibition will be held tonight (March 27), giving visitors a chance to explore the work ahead of the official bidding event, which runs April 16-18. 

At its core, “Live on Five” blends art, community and accessibility, offering an experience that is both engaging and approachable.

One of the defining features of the event is its 5-by-5 format, where each participating artist creates a piece within a small square canvas. While the size may seem limiting, it becomes a creative challenge that encourages experimentation across styles and media.

“It’s a fun challenge for the artists because a lot of them don’t work on that small of a scale,” said Sydney O’Shei, special events and development coordinator at Buffalo Arts Studio. 

What began in 2020 as a smaller initiative has since expanded significantly. This year’s event features 250 artists contributing a total of 685 pieces, including 80 new artists joining the lineup. The growth reflects the studio’s continued  effort to expand its network and bring in new voices from across the community. 

After taking a year off, the return of “Live on Five” brings renewed excitement. In 2025, the studio focused on Trimania, a large-scale arts and music festival that takes place every three years and transforms the entire Tri-Main Center into a multi-floor experience featuring live performances, visual art and interactive installations. 

With that major production behind them, organizers are eager to bring back the more intimate, but still expansive, “Live on Five” event. 

At the heart of “Live on Five” is a strong commitment to accessibility. All artwork begins at a starting bid of $25, intentionally lowering the barrier for those who may not typically see themselves as art collectors. 

“All of the artwork starts at $25… because we believe art is for everyone,” O’Shei said. 

By keeping the prices affordable, the event invites a broader audience to participate, particularly younger attendees or those new to collecting. The goal is not just to sell art, but to create meaningful connections between people and the work being displayed. 

“You can know that these are your neighbors and your friends and your coworkers … and you can have a little piece of them,” she added.

That sense of connection extends beyond the artwork itself. The event is built on a network of community partnerships, including collaborations with local organizations and businesses. Some partnerships are monetary, while others are in-kind, involving shared promotion, event participation or resource sharing. 

“A lot of it is just relationship building, because we really value our community partnerships,” O’Shei said. 

This year, that community-driven atmosphere also extends to the event’s food offerings. O’Shei said she is especially excited to partner with Extra Extra Pizza, which will be serving food during the event. 

Artists also benefit from the experience in ways that go beyond the auction. While the artwork is donated, participants receive VIP access to the event and increased exposure within the community. 

The studio also works to connect artists directly with those who purchase their work, allowing for continued relationships beyond the event. Artists can follow up with collectors, share information about future exhibitions and remain connected within the local arts scene. 

Visitors can expect an immersive environment throughout the studio’s three gallery spaces, where hundreds of pieces will be displayed across walls that wrap through the building. The exhibition includes both two-dimensional and three-dimensional work, creating a intense visual experience.

“You walk down the wall and it moves … it’s very dynamic,” O’Shei said.

In addition to the main gallery spaces, 31 resident artists will have their studios open to the public, offering attendees the chance to meet creators and learn more about their work. The event also features a social atmosphere, complete with food, drinks and music, further reinforcing its role as a community gathering. 

Behind the scenes, a small team works to bring the event to life. As special events and development coordinator, O’Shei plays a key role in organizing logistics, coordinating sponsors and managing the many moving parts involved in producing the event. 

Leading up to the auction, the preview period allows visitors to return multiple times to view the artwork and plan their bids.

“People strategize what to bid on,” O’Shei said, noting that the mobile bidding system allows participants to engage with the auction even if they are not physically present. 

The event experience continues even after the auction concludes. On April 24, the studio will host an art pickup event, where attendees can collect their purchased pieces in a celebratory setting. The evening will feature a live performance by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, along with thesis work on display from two Buffalo State art students, creating a blend of visual art and live music. 

From the initial artist submissions to the final pickup event, “Live on Five” is designed as a full-circle experience, showcasing local talent and strengthening the connections that make up Buffalo’s creative community.

Mandy Myers is a senior at SUNY Fredonia and an intern for The Buffalo Hive.