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ARTs Unbound

Tuesday, October 2, 2018Sunday, October 21, 2018

An artwork by Jocelyn T. of Starlight Studio and Art Gallery

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; Intandem; Starlight Studio and Art Gallery; and The Resource Center.

A student from Aspire of Western New York’s iXpress Art Program

An artwork by Chase L. from Starlight Studio and Art Gallery

A student from Aspire of Western New York’s iXpress Art Program

A work by Sonya L. of Starlight Studio and Art Gallery

Matt and Alex from Aspire of Western New York’s iXpress Art Program

An artwork by a student from The Resource Center

Veleka G. from Aspire of Western New York’s iXpress Art Program

Organizations that provide services for people with disabilities are invited to schedule free individualized group sessions through the Albright-Knox’s Access AK: Creative Connection program. Using guided tours, hands-on art workshops, and discussions specifically designed to meet the needs and interests of each participating group, this program encourages socialization, sensory awareness, and self-expression through art. 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, and Contract Sales.

The Arts Experience is a Group Day Habilitation program that provides support in achieving person-centered goals through creative arts programming. The program supports adults with a wide variety of developmental disabilities to build life skills through classes such as music, art, theatre, photography, creative writing, dance, and much more. All classes are facilitated by professional artists and art educators and provide a unique opportunity for the development of social, job-related, and everyday skills through the arts.

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 consists 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.

Intandem is a large disability service agency providing supports to people and their families residing in Niagara and Cattaraugus counties. Our focus is to work with each person to maximize their independence and to have them fully participate in their community in a manner that brings them the greatest life satisfaction.

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; National Fuel; the Vogt Family Foundation; and an anonymous donor.