Partial reprint

Arthur Eve mural is dedicated at namesake School 61 in Buffalo

By Harold McNeil
The Buffalo News, September 1, 2021

A new image of former New York Deputy Assembly Speaker Arthur O. Eve looms over the school that is his namesake.

A mural bearing Eve's portrait was dedicated during a ceremony Wednesday at the Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction, School No. 61, on Leroy Avenue. The longtime politician and former Buffalo mayoral candidate was lauded by current Mayor Byron W. Brown and others in attendance as a trailblazer and visionary for his dedication to public education, particularly for those growing up in disadvantaged circumstances.  

Buffalo-based artist Julia Bottoms, a graduate of SUNY Buffalo State, created the mural that graces the back wall of the school. She also created a mural of Eve for the Freedom Wall on Michigan Avenue and East Ferry Street near the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. She is currently an adjunct professor at Medaille and Villa Maria colleges, where she teaches art.

In addition to Eve's portrait, two students are portrayed. One of them represents former School 61 principal Parette M. Walker at age 9.

The mural also includes a diploma symbolizing students' ultimate academic pursuit, and butterflies, the school's unofficial mascot.