By Kate Bartlett
This year marks the 22nd Junior League of Buffalo’s Decorators’ Show House. This year, The Junior League is featuring The Friary, located at 102 Seymour Street in the City of Buffalo (pictured above). Architect Cyrus Kinne Porter designed the 20,070 square foot Gothic Revival style friary in 1891. The friary remained home to Friars from the Franciscan order until it was sold in 2017. The St. Patrick Friary House will be open for public viewing June 3-24.
fundraiser. Beginning in 1981, with The Larkin House (above), the
Decorators’ Show Houses have yielded proceeds totaling over $4 million,
allowing 23 cultural and human service organizations to receive significant
funding for high-impact programs benefiting Buffalo and Erie County.
Cindi McEachon, chairwoman for the 2023 Decorators’ Show House is thrilled to showcase this location. “Nearly everything about this house is new and different this year,” remarks Cindi. “From location to style, everything about this house is distinct. This is by far one of the most involved houses we as a League have taken on in quite a while. The transformation is remarkable, and we are excited to have many new designers, artists and boutique partners joining us this year. We are excited to showcase this project and invite everyone out to enjoy the space and location. We are wonderfully situated just walking distance from the Larkinville district.”
Each Show House is brought to life by a team of dedicated Junior League volunteers. “This year we have certainly been pushed to our creative limits through problem solving and pushing ourselves towards unconventional and inventive solutions. I love a good challenge and this year the challenge is undeniable. It is by far my favorite part of this project.”
The Junior League of Buffalo is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. The Decorators’ Show House serves as the Junior League of Buffalo’s signature fundraiser. Beginning in 1981, with The Larkin House, the Decorators’ Show Houses have yielded proceeds totaling over $4 million, allowing 23 cultural and human service organizations to receive significant funding for high-impact programs benefiting Buffalo and Erie County.
While the Junior League doesn’t follow a particular theme or design for a chosen house, each Show House tends to reflect design industry trends. This year the house boasts three full floors encompassing 34 decorated spaces as well as several unique landscaped spaces. “Each room is meticulously designed and carefully thought out. The designers work together to create a style that reflects current trends and best suits the space.”
The Junior League of Buffalo also hosts a variety of other projects throughout the year. “We run a community small grants and high school scholarship program as well as a Little Leaguers program. League members also have an array of opportunities to volunteer in the community at community wide events and with numerous community-based organizations. “It’s a great opportunity for women in our community to increase their civic engagement and increase their personal networks.”
Anyone looking to get involved can contact jlb@jlbuffalo.org. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://buffalo.jl.org/show-house/2023-decorators-show-house/