Hunt Residencies Launches First Annual POP! Fundraiser, Activating Buffalo’s Creative
Future
Buffalo, NY — Hunt Residencies, a program that stemmed off The C. Stuart and Jane H. Hunt
Art Gallery, will host POP!, its first annual fundraiser, on May 30, 2026, bringing together artists,
collectors, and community leaders for an immersive evening celebrating Buffalo’s next
generation of creative talent.
At its core, POP! is designed around a simple truth: Buffalo audiences show up when they feel
culturally seen, socially elevated, and part of something early. This event delivers on all
three—creating an experience that is as engaging as it is impactful.
Launched in April 2022, Hunt Residencies began as a bold investment in emerging artists,
offering public facing free studio space, exhibitions space and weekly mentorship. In just four
years, the program has evolved into a powerful cultural engine, supporting over 50 artists as
they build sustainable careers, exhibit work, and expand their reach in and out of Buffalo.
But the impact extends far beyond individual artists.
Hunt Residencies is actively strengthening Buffalo’s cultural infrastructure—developing artists,
activating space, and creating public-facing experiences that reinforce the city’s creative identity
and economic momentum. By keeping talent local, amplifying underrepresented voices, and
connecting the community to contemporary art in accessible ways, the program is helping
position Buffalo as a city that invests in creative growth.
“This is not just art programming, it’s ecosystem building,” said Christina Buscarino, Executive
Director of Hunt Residencies. “We’re committed to creating a Buffalo where artists don’t feel like
they have to leave to succeed. POP! is about more than a single night, it’s about bringing people
into that vision, showing them the talent here, and giving them a way to actively support the next
generation of artists shaping this city.”
Now operating as a newly incorporated 501(c)(3), Hunt Residencies is expanding its impact
through POP!, an evening designed to both celebrate and sustain its mission.
Guests can expect:
● A live art challenge pairing resident and mentor artists
● An interactive art sale featuring works priced from $100–$3,000
● Group Tours of the Artist in Residence Studios + Exhibition
● Open bar and hors d’oeuvres by Beebe’s on the Square
● A dynamic room of artists, collectors, and civic leaders shaping Buffalo’s cultural future
Funds raised from POP! will directly support artist stipends, studio access, mentorship
programming, and continued opportunities for emerging creatives.
“Great cities are defined by the art they champion,” Buscarino added. “With POP!, we’re not
only creating an unforgettable experience, we’re building a future where artists stay, careers
grow, and culture leads.”
The event is open to the public, with tickets and sponsorship opportunities available. Community
members are invited to attend and be part of a defining moment for Buffalo’s creative scene.