Students from the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts gather around look and see, 2004, by artist Jim Hodges (American, born 1957) during a December 2006 visit to the Gallery. The eleven-and-one-half-foot sculpture is installed in the Gallery’s Sculpture Garden.

At the end of the 2006-2007 academic year, the eight-year Empire State Partnership between the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and BAVPA will come to a close. Throughout these years, educators and administrators developed an innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum that was based on contemporary art and culture and incorporated visual art, music, literature, math, science, social studies, dance, communication arts, and theater.

Visiting artists included photographers, painters, conceptual artists, filmmakers, and video artists. Teaching artist/poet Sherry Robbins conducted regular sessions in the new school Gallery 110, and independent musicians, actors, and dancers were integrated into the curriculum. These activities provided access to various arts disciplines and gave students broad exposure to the local, national, and international arts community. The curriculum was aligned with the New York State Learning Standards for students in grades nine through twelve.

The working relationships that were created through this new way of teaching will lead everyone involved –including students, artists, teachers, administrators and Gallery staff – into an exciting future in a new BAVPA school building that is currently under construction. The Gallery and BAVPA are committed to maintaining these relationships through mutual respect, continued communication, and the sharing of resources.