Mickey Harmon

Mickey Harmon was a Buffalo-based artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, as well as a co-owner of The Good Stuff (formerly the Pine Apple Company) on Allen Street in Buffalo, New York. A key figure in the local arts and LGBTQ+ communities, Harmon’s impact on Buffalo’s cultural landscape is undeniable.

As an artist, Harmon’s work often explored themes related to the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting his deep personal connection to this vibrant part of his life. His art, which spans a variety of mediums, frequently addresses identity, community, and personal expression, with an emphasis on creating spaces for queer voices and stories. His passion for connecting art and activism led him to organize and curate numerous events that brought together artists, musicians, and community leaders, fostering a sense of unity and visibility for marginalized groups in Buffalo.

For over five years, Harmon played a pivotal role in organizing the monthly street festival known as First Friday Gallery Walk, a celebration of local art, culture, and community that brought together vendors, artists, and creatives in Buffalo’s Allentown neighborhood. In addition to his organizational efforts, Harmon worked closely with queer creatives and musicians, creating special editions of the event that highlighted LGBTQ+ voices and contributions to the arts.

Harmon’s contributions extended beyond his art and event organizing. He was instrumental in co-founding Exist: A Queer Festival in 2018 and 2019, a groundbreaking event that celebrated the intersection of queer culture and the arts. One of his most well-known projects, Intersect: A Crosswalk Walkoff, began as a community celebration and has since evolved into a major queer cultural event in Buffalo, particularly in collaboration with Western New York Black and Latino Pride (2022) and Vogue Buffalo (2023).

Beyond his activism and community work, Harmon dedicated over a decade to illustrating architecture and regional histories of Western New York. His illustrations captured the essence of the region, from its historic landmarks to its modern-day transformations, telling the story of Buffalo’s past and present with a unique artistic lens.

Through his work as an artist, organizer, and advocate, Mickey Harmon left an indelible mark on Buffalo’s artistic and LGBTQ+ communities, continuing to inspire future generations with his creativity, vision, and dedication to inclusivity.