Community brought together by a work of art

Art offers a wide range of benefits that enrich both individuals and society as a whole. It serves as a powerful form of self-expression, allowing people to communicate thoughts, emotions, and ideas that are sometimes difficult to convey with words. Art brings communities together by reflecting diverse perspectives and shared human experiences, playing a vital role in personal growth and social connection.  

Recently, local artist Alexis Voss, worked with the Buffalo Community Center on a community art project to create a mural for the center. Voss graduated with a Fine Arts degree from North Hennepin Community College in 2024. “I was always doing art in high school, so it kind of just followed me throughout my school years.”

Alexis became connected with the Buffalo Community Center partially through her grandfather, Mike Voss, who plays pool on occasion at the center. Alexis shared that while her grandfather, Mike, was chatting with Community Center Manager Adam Leiferman about the center’s artist of the month, Mike mentioned that his granddaughter was an artist and inquired about Alexis having a display at the center. Leiferman was all for it, and soon the wheels for the mural’s creation were put into motion. “Adam is just so involved in the art community, so he was all for it. He said, let’s do a mural; I have these big ideas, so that’s how we got connected,” stated Alexis. 

Voss utilized a computer program to create the mural’s design, and once completed, used a projector to enlarge the design outline and draw it on a large piece of plywood used for the mural. “I have a digital program that I use, so I drew up the design on the program. At first, it was just a couple rough ideas. Adam and I sent our ideas back-and-forth, and then we figured out the final idea.”

Alexis shared that the goal for the mural was to create a welcoming and inviting piece of art. “He [Adam] had this prompt in mind. The prompt he gave me was ‘looking towards a brighter future.’ From that he gave me full creative freedom to do what I had pictured in my head. We wanted it to feel welcoming and inclusive. There’s a buffalo in there to highlight the community of Buffalo. I felt like that was a given with all the painted buffalos around the city. I felt like that was important. I wanted [the mural] to say ‘come on in.’”

Patrons of the community center were invited to paint sections of the mural after the design was in place, creating an art piece with a true sense of community togetherness and involvement. Approximately 10-15 people contributed to the work. 

Leiferman shared that the mural will be displayed at the future Buffalo Area Community Center site, and they are currently in the process of getting the artwork framed. 

T-shirts with the mural design are available at the community center and at various local events including Concerts in the Park, National Night Out, and more. Proceeds from sales go towards funding for future community center programming.

The Buffalo Community Center offers a variety of art projects and programs aimed at fostering creativity and community engagement for all age groups and interests, from youngsters to seniors. The center publishes a newsletter chock full of great events and happenings each month along with updates, event schedules, and more. Newsletters are posted on the city website at: www.ci.buffalo.mn.us/474/Newsletters.

If you’re searching for a talented local artist, Alexis Voss is open for personalized commissions, including portraits, landscapes, pet depictions, and more. A great way for local businesses and community organizations to showcase a talented area artist. Reach out to Alexis and learn more about her artwork at: alexisvossart@gmail.com