Marv Levy mural unveiled in Orchard Park

‘Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?’

√ Public artwork celebrates legendary Bills coach, includes special tribute to former Byrd House employee Rachael Wierzbicki

Arts Services Inc. press release & photo

"Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?"

Just hours before the Buffalo Bills took on the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday afternoon, a massive new mural celebrating legendary Bills head coach Marv Levy was officially unveiled at The Byrd House in the heart of Orchard Park.

The mural, recently completed by Tara Bystran on the exterior wall of The Byrd House on South Buffalo Street, features a larger-than-life portrait of Levy alongside his famous rallying cry: "Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?"

The artwork also includes a special remembrance of Rachael Jane Wierzbicki, a former employee of The Byrd House whose life was tragically cut short by domestic violence in November 2018. Her legacy lives on through the Rachael Warrior Foundation, which provides assistance to individuals and families affected by domestic violence, and works to raise awareness, educate the public and support survivors.

The project is a collaboration between Assemblyman Pat Burke's office, Bystran, The Byrd House, and Arts Services Inc. (ASI), bringing together public art, local business, community remembrance and Buffalo's enduring love for its football team.

Tribute to a Buffalo legend

Levy, who led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, remains one of the most beloved figures in Western New York. His famous words have transcended football, becoming an expression of Buffalo's pride, loyalty and sense of community.

The mural will serve as a permanent public tribute to that legacy – and a new landmark for Bills fans visiting Orchard Park, particularly on game days.

“Growing up in South Buffalo in the ’80s and ’90s, those Bills teams and four Super Bowls were a formative part of my childhood – and not just because of the result,” Burke said. “We watched those teams compete with incredible ferocity, but also with class, dignity and respect. Marv Levy set that tone. He taught a generation of Buffalo kids that you could be tough, relentless and still carry yourself with grace, even in defeat. This quote has become more than a football saying. It has become a statement about what it means to be from Buffalo. I’m proud we could help bring this tribute to life.”

Bystran said, “It was an honor and a delight to get to paint Marv and celebrate our town’s fighting spirit! A huge thanks to Pat Burke’s office, ASI and The Byrd House for helping make it happen.”

ASI Executive Director Jen Swan-Kilpatrick said, "ASI is proud to be a part of this project that brings together the community through public art and an iconic sports history in Western New York. Public art has a way of creating spaces and places for us to have conversation, reflect, and celebrate those who have inspired us over the years. Tara has truly delivered in the design and boldness of this beautiful mural."

Lauri Wierzbicki, Rachael’s mother, said, “This mural is more than just a tribute to our Buffalo Bills. It is a tribute to my beautiful daughter who loved the Bills. Although her life was tragically taken, her light, her smile, and her love will never be forgotten. She may no longer be here to cheer on her beloved bills, but she will forever be cheering from heaven. A heartfelt thank you to Pat Burke and his office for making this happen and a big shout out to the Byrd House team. Go Bills!”

The mural is complete and visible to the public on South Buffalo Street in Orchard Park. Sunday's unveiling celebrated the artist and community partners who helped bring the project to life, creating a lasting tribute to a Buffalo sports legend while also honoring the memory of a young woman whose life continues to inspire efforts to help others.

For more information about the Rachael Warrior Foundation and its work supporting survivors of domestic violence, visit www.rachaelwarriorfoundation.org.

More about Arts Services Inc: Where the arts meet business. ASI empowers the region's artists and arts organizations with connections to funding, learning opportunities, and community access to the arts. ASI is a resource hub for the Western New York arts and cultural sector. At ASI, we firmly believe the arts belong to everyone. By creating opportunities with the arts, we’re crafting a future where people of all backgrounds can connect and find community.

About the New York State Council on the Arts: The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York state’s arts, culture and creativity for all. For FY2027, the Council on the Arts will award $161 million, serving organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the council is an agency that is part of the executive branch. For more information on NYSCA, visit www.arts.ny.gov, or follow NYSCA's Facebook page @NewYorkStateCouncilontheArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.