Buffalo’s world of artists and artisans is growing a great deal, in part thanks to the efforts of collectives like The Guild @ 980. I spoke to Kevin Hayes, who, along with Michael Gainer, runs the operation. And what an operation it has become! There are currently 50 artist and artisan studios in operation at The Guild, which is found on the second and third floors of the 45,000 square foot building. Kevin told me that there are plans to build out an additional 20 studios this winter, as the demand is high for affordable work space, in a communal setting.
There are so many talented artists and artisans at The Guild,” Kevin told me. “Like musical instrument maker Michael Schenkel, and Kendra Stevens (The Swing Gallery), who makes beautiful swings, and freelance photographer Malik Rainey, who is working for The New York Times at 21 years old. Then we have painters, woodworkers, people who do jewelry and silkscreening, small manufacturing, wood, metal, and glass. We also have a couple of people who are doing custom sneaker upgrades and collectible sneakers.
The first floor of the building is home to ReUse Action, which is filled to the gills with all sorts of salvaged, donated, and found goods and materials. This is where you would find everything from old doors to fireplace mantels. Back in the day, there were other warehouses that specialized in these types of coveted building and decor items, such at Horsefeathers and Gothic City, but these days, ReUse Action is where it’s at.
One of the things that make ReUse Action so interesting is that there is a contracting division, with its own carpenters. There are also salvage crews that ensure that as many materials as possible stay out of landfills. These amassed materials (such as insulation) take up so much space that Kevin and Michael are preparing to build a pole building (barn) this spring on their property. This will help to free up valuable space within the building, and at their back lot, which is increasingly mounting to full capacity.
Since 2015, ReUse Action and The Guild @ 980 have grown. Not only is the building a major convenience for people looking to fix up and accessorize their homes, it’s also an inspirational place for artists and artisans to get busy.
On a personal note, I am saddened to hear of the passing of George Thomas (GT) Apfel, who had become an indispensable figurehead (Maintenance Engineer) at the ReUse Action building. From his golden days in radio as a broadcaster, station director, engineer, etc. in Las Vegas, to his heralded return to Buffalo to help spearhead the city’s renaissance, George was respected and loved by so many people. His voyage back to Buffalo is recounted in this self-penned Buffalo Rising article.
While George may no longer be with us, his spirit is alive and well at ReUse Action and The Guild @ 980. Everything that he worked towards, embodied, and wanted for Buffalo continues to come to fruition at this busy hub that is in business to reclaim, restore, and renew. That happened to be in line with his own mantra for building back Buffalo.
As for the creative studios and the endless sea of reclaimed and surplus building materials, the public can see all of this and more, via a series of Open Studios at The Guild @ 980, the second Saturday of each month, starting at 11am. It’s the ideal time to meet the artists and inhabitants that occupy the studios. Of course ReUse Action is also open during these hours, as well as weekly set business hours.
Pay a visit in person at 980 Northampton Street, or visit www.reuseaction.com for further information.
Email: info@reuseaction.com | Phone: 716-894-3366
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