Remembering Mickey Harmon (1984-2025)

Mickey Harmon, '11, a Buffalo-based artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, tragically lost his life on March 6, 2025, along with his partner, Jordan Celotto. As a member of the Buffalo State University Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Council; prominent artist with the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and friend to many, Mickey left a profound and lasting impact on the Buffalo State community.

"Mickey was almost twenty years younger than I was, but I considered him a role model in many ways, and I looked up to him quite a bit. He was one of the bravest, funniest and most committed people I have ever met, and I feel extremely lucky to have known him." -Shasti O'Leary-Soudant, assistant professor of art & design

"Mickey was a vivid presence in Buffalo's art world. I still remember the first time my husband and I met him. With his characteristic energy, he exclaimed, 'I know who you are!' to which we replied, 'We know who you are too!' That moment perfectly captured Mickey's warmth and his ability to make connections so effortlessly. He graced the stage in Afterglow for Buffalo United Artists-BUA-the queer theater company my husband founded. Recently, there had been talk of him returning for another show-a prospect that is now heartbreakingly out of reach. Mickey was deeply woven into the fabric of a vibrant and supportive community. He and Jordan leave an indelible mark that will continue to inspire us all. While his impact will endure, the loss of his physical presence feels almost impossible to comprehend. There won't be another show with BUA featuring Mickey, but we are profoundly grateful to have known him. The memories will remain a treasure." -Anthony Chase, assistant dean for the School of Arts and Sciences

"Mickey added tremendous energy, proactive ideas, and very strong convictions. His steadfastness was source of inspiration. He was everything that is needed NOW. Losing Mickey is an extraordinary loss." -Susan McCartney, director, Buffalo State Small Business Development Center and advisor to the Provost for economic development

"I had known of Mickey for quite some time, but it's in the last few years that I got to know him better through his art and his activism. He was part of my painting crew for a mural project on Sycamore Street in 2023 and then later our LGBTQ+ activism collided in what has now become The Buffalo Niagara Proud Alliance. Mickey had responded to the lack of a free LGBTQ Pride Event with his yearly queer artist event 'Intersect' and I was working with other LGBTQ leaders to reimagine our Pride celebrations. Mickey was a character, immensely talented, magical, fearless, highly opinionated, and hard to impress. Those that knew him believed he was an unstoppable force. His absence has rocked so many of us; even in his absence, he has made a difference. As our new alliance forms, we discovered recently that Mickey had created a drive of organizational folders, including media contacts and other precious information to help us move forward. This discovered volunteer work marked his approval of what we are trying to create for our community. I will be forever grateful to have known Mickey, and to have been touched by his talent, his love of life, and his love of community." -David Butler, '85, artist, designer, and president of the Buffalo Niagara Proud Alliance

"Mickey left an indelible legacy on Buffalo through his work in so many communities: the LGBTQ+ community, the arts community and the Allentown community, to name just a few. He had an unmatched joie de vivre and he always showed up and followed through. I hope that people will remember Mickey and be inspired to help pick up a piece of his very large mantle." -Ruth Goldman, associate professor of media production

Photos by Julian Montague.