Buffalo’s beloved Flat Man sculpture at the Outer Harbor has been removed, and replaced with Round Man. The ‘new’ 20-foot steel sculpture – created in 1967 by Buffalo sculptor, Larry Griffis Jr. – can now be found along the Greenway Nature Trail at the Bell Slip. As for Flat Man, that sculpture is returning to its home at Griffis Sculpture Park in East Otto, New York. The sculpture exchange program offers virtually limitless possibilities, thanks to an arrangement between the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and the Ashford Hollow Foundation, which operates the Sculpture Park.
“Round Man now adds to the number of public artworks displayed on the city’s waterfront, including the wind sculptures at Wilkeson Pointe and Shark Girl at Canalside,” said Robert Gioia, Chairman of ECHDC. “Lake Erie provides a magnificent backdrop for guests to experience art in the unique setting of the waterfront. We know that Round Man will be every bit as successful as Flat Man in attracting visitors to the Outer Harbor.”
Round Man is as equally impressive as its predecessor, standing almost three stories high and weighing close to 2,500 lbs.
Before making its trip to the Outer Harbor, Round Man made a stopover to the Essex Art Center, where its Mayari R Cor-Ten rod steel – donated by Bethlehem Steel back in the day – was lovingly refurbished.
Nila Griffis Lampman, Executive Director of the Ashford Hollow Foundation for the Visual and Performing Arts said, “Round Man is a magnificent sight at its new location on the waterfront. Larry Griffis would have been proud to see one of his works prominently displayed on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor. I want to thank the visionaries at ECHDC and everyone on our talented team for making this project possible.”
Like Flat Man, Round Man will be on loan to the ECHDC for 5 years. The sculpture has been strategically placed so that it can be viewed by land and by water.
Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Art creates an additional draw to public destinations and adds to the character of parks and public spaces. This is a welcome addition to the diverse range of sights and experiences available to visitors taking in Buffalo’s beautiful Outer Harbor.”
“Some of the world’s most outstanding talent is right here in Western New York, and bringing the iconic Round Man sculpture, created by Buffalo Sculptor Larry Griffis Jr., to Buffalo’s Outer Harbor is yet another win-win for our waterfront and our community,” said Mayor Byron W. Brown. “As we work to continue to make Buffalo a more culturally vibrant and inclusive city, I thank Governor Kathy Hochul and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation for their partnership to further expand the presence of public art in Buffalo, and along our beautiful waterfront, for everyone to enjoy.”
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