CLIENT

Buffalo State’s Center for Applied Imagination

LOCATION

E.H. Butler Library; 1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222

DATE

2025 – 2026

BY THE NUMBERS

Created for Buffalo State University’s Creativity + Change Leadership community, Creative Abundance transforms the new Sidney and Bea Parnes Creativity Collection in E.H. Butler Library through seven large-scale murals and interactive activity zones designed to support creativity, reflection, collaboration, and connection. The completed installation spans more than 4,000 square feet across seven walls.

The project was shaped through an in-person workshop and digital engagement process that invited students, faculty, alumni, and program supporters to help define what the space should look and feel like. Participation extended far beyond Buffalo, with voices contributing from 13 states and 9 countries. Those perspectives directly informed the artwork and a larger spatial experience centered around themes of creativity, connection, possibility, and shared identity.

Rather than treating the library walls as static surfaces, the design uses art to help shape how people move through and engage with the space. The hallway creates a sense of anticipation and discovery; interior walls encourage inspiration, connection, and shared ideation; and the study carrels create spaces for individual reflection and deep thinking.

Interactive elements, including whiteboard and prompt walls, collaborative activity areas, mirrors, painted study carrels, and other visual interventions, invite visitors to participate rather than simply observe.

The result is more than a mural installation. It is an immersive creative environment that envisions libraries of the future; a place where people can gather, exchange ideas, reflect, experiment, and create together.

A snapshot of Creative Abundance, a seven-wall mural installation transforming Buffalo State’s Creativity Collection into an immersive, interactive environment.