The Need
The Sattler Broadway Theatre, built in 1914 and located at 516 Broadway (near Jefferson), was purchased by the non-profit group Western New York Media Professionals, Inc. Plans call for the investment of millions of dollars to restore the building back to its original grandeur. Once complete, the Theatre will become WNYMP headquarters and performing arts center.
The mission of WNYMP is to educate the youth of our community “on how to improve themselves through the media, and how they can benefit from its resources and tools.” The Theatre will become a beacon of continued learning and anchor further development of this historic east side community.
The Sattler Broadway Theatre was commissioned by John G. Sattler, the founder of Sattler’s Department Store, which once stood at 998 Broadway. It was designed by Henry L. Span, the same architect who designed many of Buffalo’s theatre gems, including the North Park (still open and operating on Hertel Ave.), the Savoy, and the Abbot (now a laundromat and dry cleaner).
The Artist
Julia Williamson is a resident of Buffalo, NY. She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and New Media from Fredonia State University of New York in 2009. During the day, she works full-time as a graphic designer. She also does freelance graphic design, photography, and illustration as JW Design + Photo and is the author/illustrator of several self-published children's books including Dickens' Mittens, Nia and the Swan, and The Worst Sneeze Ever. She is inspired by graffiti/street art as well as comic books and animated movies. In her free time she enjoys drawing, skating, and watching Netflix.