Buffalo native, Kim Baker, competed in national contest

Kim Baker, a Buffalo, New York native, who now calls New York City home was recently voted to compete in a national art contest.

Her art was submitted to the People’s Artist National Competition for 2026. Millions of people entered, but only 20 artists were selected. “For me, this was a major milestone and a tremendous achievement, since I have only been painting for five years and self-taught,” said Kim Baker. She has worked on her art every day since the moment she picked up a pencil and started sketching, and she has “never stopped creating.”

“It has now been one year since that door opened for me, and I want to thank my hometown newspaper, the Buffalo Criterion, where my art was first featured.”

“The organizers of Funk Fest also saw my drawing of Rick James and the article that featured it, and as a result, I have been invited to participate in Buffalo Funk Fest 2026.” “I will have a limited edition collection of T-shirts featuring Rick James, along with signature prints of my artwork available at the event.”

“I look forward to returning to my hometown and visiting family, friends, and supporters. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me along this journey. The best is yet to come.”