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ARTs Unbound

Tuesday, October 3, 2017Sunday, October 22, 2017

Tropical Island by an artist working with Opportunities Unlimited

Education Exhibition Hallway

This exhibition highlights local human services agencies that support people with disabilities through artmaking. Join us in celebrating a collaborative public display during Disability Awareness Month. ARTs Unbound features artists from the following programs: Access AK: Creative Connection; Arc of Genesee Orleans; Aspire of Western New York Center for Learning; Aspire of Western New York’s iXpress Art Program; Cantalician Center for Learning; Arts Experience of People Inc.; IndicatorArt; Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara; Starlight Studio and Art Gallery; and The Resource Center.

Horned Owl by an artist working with Opportunities Unlimited Lockport

Artwork by an artist working with Arc of Genesee Orleans 

The Albright-Knox’s Access AK: Creative Connection program uses guided tours, hands-on art workshops, and discussions specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of each participating group. It enables and encourages individuals to express themselves both verbally and nonverbally in the embrace of the museum. Focus is placed on providing opportunities for recreation and socialization, increasing sensory awareness and integration, improving feeling identification, and expression through the use of art. Organizations that provide services for people with disabilities are invited to schedule free individualized group sessions through our Creative Connection program. Learn more

The Arc of Genesee Orleans supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in partnership with the community. Programs and services include assessment, health, educational, therapeutic, supportive, vocational, and residential services starting with preschool and continuing through adulthood. Arts are one of a variety of enrichment activities encouraged to help individuals explore and reach their potential.

The mission of Aspire Center for Learning is to enhance the lives of its students by providing the highest quality education and services for developmental disabilities, using state-of-the-art technology, equipment, instructional strategies, and therapeutic interventions. Students participate in weekly art class as well as individual and small group sessions.

iXpress is an expressive arts program for individuals with disabilities of varying kinds. In addition to offering painting, drawing, and ceramics, iXpress provides professional facilitation for the literary arts, songwriting, filmmaking, and studio production. iXpress is part of Aspire of Western New York, whose mission is to support children and adults with developmental and similar disabilities, helping them to live their lives to the fullest by providing individualized assistance based on personal choices. 

Cantalician Center for Learning is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving children and adults with disabilities across Western New York for more than 60 years. The mission of Cantalician Center is to provide person-centered, compassionate services that promote independence and offer meaningful opportunities through its Daycare, Preschool, Early Childhood Community Services, School Age Program, Day Habilitation Services, Employment Services, Contract Sales, and Medicaid Service Coordination.

The Arts Experience is a People Inc. group day habilitation program that provides visual and performing arts sessions for adults with developmental disabilities. This unique program focuses on self-expression, socialization, and skill acquisition through music, theatre, visual art, dance, creative writing, yoga, photography, and much more! Classes are facilitated by professional artists and educators, actively working in their fields of expertise.

IndicatorArt is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation providing artistic programs for people with developmental disabilities. We currently offer painting, music, photography and yoga workshops. Each workshop consist of six sessions with a show featuring the work of our artists at the end to which the public is invited. Our professional and caring instructors tap into the innate creativity of each participant through small class sizes, creating a fun environment, and having respect for all. Whether a student paints a masterpiece or just has a good time, we strive to provide the best outcome possible!

For more than 60 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, the Niagara County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc., has provided services for individuals of all ages with disabilities and their families. Our employees provide more than 600 individuals with a broad range of effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity, and participation in community life. Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential and to encourage personal choice.

Starlight Studio and Art Gallery is a cooperative environment that supports adults with disabilities in their artistic development. Through technical assistance by professional artists, on-site and off-site exhibitions, and other opportunities for representation and sales, the Starlight artists hone their artistic interests, become stronger advocates, and become better integrated citizens.

The Resource Center leads the way in strengthening the partnership among individuals with disabilities and their families and friends. The organization provides services and supports our entire community in making a difference in people’s lives.

Admission to this exhibition is free on M&T FIRST FRIDAYS @ THE GALLERY.

Program Sponsors

Access AK is made possible through the generous support of the James H. Cummings Foundation, Inc. Endowment; an anonymous donor; and National Fuel.