Shark Girl
Sculpture · Downtown ·

Shark Girl

Sculpture · Downtown ·

Quirky public art sculpture perfect for unique photos

Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by flyinglugnut (Atlas Obscura User)
Shark Girl by Tom Loonan/Used with permission
Shark Girl by KimMintz (Atlas Obscura User)
Shark Girl by KimMintz (Atlas Obscura User)
Shark Girl by chasepopt (Atlas Obscura User)
Shark Girl by Nick Quaranto/CC BY-SA 2.0
Shark Girl by Tom Loonan/Used with permission
Shark Girl by Tom Loonan/Used with permission
Shark Girl by philliprlee (Atlas Obscura User)
Shark Girl by philliprlee (Atlas Obscura User)
Shark Girl by Nick Quaranto/CC BY-SA 2.0
Shark Girl by Tom Loonan/Used with permission
Shark Girl by Tom Loonan/Used with permission
Shark Girl by flyinglugnut (Atlas Obscura User)
Shark Girl by chasepopt (Atlas Obscura User)
Shark Girl by Tom Loonan/Used with permission
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null
Shark Girl by null

Information

Buffalo, NY 14203 Get directions

Information

Static Map

Buffalo, NY 14203 Get directions

buffaloakg.org
@buffaloakgartmuseum
𝕏
@buffaloakg

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Nov 24, 2025

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@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

The Quirkiest Local Landmarks in Small-Town America

"A girl in a blue dress sits alone on a rock by the Buffalo River. Hands folded and legs crossed, she waits patiently for photo companions. Oh, and she has a shark’s head. Clinging to the Canadian border, “the City of No Illusions” offers a slew of activities to its visitors. The birthplace of Rick James and Buffalo wings has plenty of galleries and restaurants and a booming public art scene. And when asked for recommendations, locals often insist on getting a picture with Shark Girl. According to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, which bought the piece for an undisclosed sum, “Shark Girl is the absurd, hilarious, and bittersweet creation of artist Casey Riordan Millard.” Millard has been painting Shark Girl, who’s been featured in almost all of her work, since 2004. The statue is a “fish out of water” and symbolizes a desire for normalcy. It’s Millard’s first public sculpture, funded by a $6,000 grant through Cincinnati’s Arts Ambassador Fellowship in 2013. Shark Girl spent a few years posing for photos on the Ohio River, before making her way to Buffalo in August 2014. The sculpture was refurbished in 2015 and placed in Canalside, a historic district and once the western terminus of the Erie Canal. Shark Girl is now a social media star, and Millard has gained a bigger audience to boot. While some people in Ohio were sad to see it go, it has certainly garnered more attention, and maybe even more appreciation, in Buffalo―Millard noted that a Cincinnati newspaper had to ask her for photos to run after it moved away." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/quirky-local-landmarks-small-town-symbols
Tom Loonan/Used with permission
Shark Girl
@atlasobscura
4,908 Postcards · 2,018 Cities

Fish Out of Water

"A girl in a blue dress sits alone on a rock by the Buffalo River. Hands folded and legs crossed, she waits patiently for photo companions. Oh, and she has a shark’s head. Clinging to the Canadian border, “the City of No Illusions” offers a slew of activities to its visitors. The birthplace of Rick James and Buffalo wings has plenty of galleries and restaurants and a booming public art scene. And when asked for recommendations, locals often insist on getting a picture with Shark Girl. According to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, which bought the piece for an undisclosed sum, “Shark Girl is the absurd, hilarious, and bittersweet creation of artist Casey Riordan Millard.” Millard has been painting Shark Girl, who’s been featured in almost all of her work, since 2004. The statue is a “fish out of water” and symbolizes a desire for normalcy. It’s Millard’s first public sculpture, funded by a $6,000 grant through Cincinnati’s Arts Ambassador Fellowship in 2013. Shark Girl spent a few years posing for photos on the Ohio River, before making her way to Buffalo in August 2014. The sculpture was refurbished in 2015 and placed in Canalside, a historic district and once the western terminus of the Erie Canal. Shark Girl is now a social media star, and Millard has gained a bigger audience to boot. While some people in Ohio were sad to see it go, it has certainly garnered more attention, and maybe even more appreciation, in Buffalo―Millard noted that a Cincinnati newspaper had to ask her for photos to run after it moved away." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/fish-out-of-water
Tom Loonan/Used with permission
Shark Girl

willku9000

Google
I recommend seeking this out. Ever since I learned of this sculpture and her history I knew I had to pay her a visit. Shark girl here, before she was in Buffalo, was originally located in Cincinnati Ohio, a city I have a strong connection to. This may sound silly but being a fellow displaced Cincinnatian, I find this piece oddly relatable. If you’re wondering about the mask, it’s just something I like to wear on occasion in photos and at one point at conventions. I felt it was fitting since it looks like she’s wearing a mask too. Just 2 Quirky folks from Cincinnati, far from home. Seriously though this is a great little thing to come see and she was relatively popular when I went to see her. Come check this out, she’s great for taking quirky photos and I’m sure she likes meeting new people.

Shad Jr L.

Google
Shark Girl is a really pleasant piece of public art. I have read the sign and think it's really cool. I think for Casey Riordan's first piece of public sculpture art, it was really good. And the idea of a half girl, half shark sculpture is very unique. I think Casey Riordan did a great job on this price of sculpture art.

Louisa M.

Google
If you spend any time at Buffalo's Canalside, you'll probably spot her right away: Shark Girl. She's hard to miss (but minus a star because she's a lot smaller than I expected), a lonely little girl in a blue and white dress just chilling on a rock. Shark Girl lives up to her uncreative namesake at least because she has a giant cartoon shark head where her own should be. This hybrid sculpture is absolutely strange (especially for Buffalo), but also kind of perfect. Shark Girl has become one of those "must-see" photo stops in Buffalo. People line up to sit beside her, throw an arm around her shoulder, or just take a goofy selfie with her toothy grin. Weird, approachable, and funny, there's something about her that doesn't take itself too seriously. What's cool is how she manages to be both silly and a little thought-provoking at the same time. If anything, the sculpture makes you appreciate how art doesn't always need to make sense to be fun. Shark Girl is a quirky little Buffalo mascot, and it's worth a stop to take a quick photo with the bizarro landmark. Parking is difficult with lots where you have to pay so be warned. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit, but lovers of roadside attractions and goofy art should absolutely swing by to check it out.

JM “Impossible T.

Google
Review: Shark Girl, Buffalo NY Public Art Shark Girl is a captivating piece of public art that has quickly become a beloved icon in Buffalo, NY. Situated on the waterfront, this whimsical sculpture strikes an immediate chord with locals and visitors alike, blending humor, creativity, and a touch of surrealism. Visual Impact: 5/5 From the moment you lay eyes on Shark Girl, it’s hard not to be drawn in. The sculpture features a young girl with a shark fin protruding from her back, balancing playfully on a surfboard. The vibrant colors and dynamic pose radiate energy, instantly capturing the spirit of adventure and play. The contrast between the innocent figure of a girl and the fierce imagery of a shark sparks curiosity and invites contemplation. It’s a fantastic conversation starter that encourages people to stop, take pictures, and engage with the art. Cultural Significance: 4/5 Shark Girl is not just an eye-catching piece; it also embodies the spirit of Buffalo’s waterfront and its connection to the Great Lakes. The sculpture speaks to the city’s revitalization efforts and its dedication to fostering creativity in public spaces. It’s an artistic representation of both the city’s playful spirit and its deep-rooted ties to nature, making it a fitting addition to the area. Accessibility: 5/5 One of the best aspects of public art is its accessibility, and Shark Girl excels in this regard. Located in a prominent area, it’s easily reachable and encourages people of all ages to appreciate art in their everyday lives. Families, tourists, and art enthusiasts can all enjoy this piece without any barriers, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Final Thoughts: Shark Girl is a delightful addition to Buffalo’s public art scene, encapsulating the city’s character and creativity. Its whimsical nature and striking visuals make it a must-see for anyone visiting the area. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, taking a moment to appreciate Shark Girl is well worth your time. It’s a reminder that art can inspire joy and provoke thought, all while bringing people together in a shared space. Overall Rating: Visual Impact 5/5 | Cultural Significance 5/5 | Accessibility 4/5

GDSTUFF78

Google
Cool statue near the Naval museum

sam C.

Google
Fun photo stop. I parked directly opposite the installation, $5 for the day. Very convenient to get to. Close enough to walk to the water too.

Katusha G

Google
City attraction. If you close by you should definitely stop by. But I would not go on purpose.

Karethra B.

Google
Easy to find and there's plenty of parking directly across the street. There's also peddle boats and a children's museum near by. All within walking distance.
google avatar

Louisa M.

Yelp
If you spend any time at Buffalo's Canalside, you'll probably spot her right away: Shark Girl. She's hard to miss (but minus a star because she's a lot smaller than I expected), a lonely little girl in a blue and white dress just chilling on a rock. Shark Girl lives up to her uncreative namesake at least because she has a giant cartoon shark head where her own should be. This hybrid sculpture is absolutely strange (especially for Buffalo), but also kind of perfect. Shark Girl has become one of those "must-see" photo stops in Buffalo. People line up to sit beside her, throw an arm around her shoulder, or just take a goofy selfie with her toothy grin. Weird, approachable, and funny, there's something about her that doesn't take itself too seriously. What's cool is how she manages to be both silly and a little thought-provoking at the same time. If anything, the sculpture makes you appreciate how art doesn't always need to make sense to be fun. Shark Girl is a quirky little Buffalo mascot, and it's worth a stop to take a quick photo with the bizarro landmark. Parking is difficult with lots where you have to pay so be warned. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to visit, but lovers of roadside attractions and goofy art should absolutely swing by to check it out.
google avatar

Bill B.

Yelp
Just a little statue to visit Don't go looking for it unless you will be close to it You will be disappointed
google avatar

Christopher M.

Yelp
Need to stop for a minute, learn a little about this sculpture and of course take a selfie!
google avatar

Jeremy J.

Yelp
When we were in Buffalo New York we stop by and saw a lot of different Statues public art landmarks all kinds of cool things. Shark girl as it is referred to is a girl body with a shark head sitting on a bench. I have no idea what the significance is but it's pretty cool see..
google avatar

Denise H.

Yelp
While visiting Canalside you may bump into the coolest work of art created by Casey Riordan Millard.You can just bask in all her glory or snap a picture with her, she's sure to brighten your day.Fun for all to enjoy !!
google avatar

Diane H.

Yelp
While waking around and exploring Canalside make sure to come see a marvelous sculpture called SharkGirl designed by Casey Riordam Millard.A great opportunity for a photo, sure to get people talking. It's a great memory for everyone.
google avatar

Claire B.

Yelp
It's a cute statue for a photo op if you're in the area. My pics got a few comments on Facebook. Not much else to say,