Education Exhibition Hallway

Illuminating the Exceptional highlights local human services agencies that support people with disabilities through artmaking. It features works by artists from the following programs: the Albright-Knox’s 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, Arts Experience of People Inc., Baker Victory Services, Claddagh Commission Inc., Heritage Centers, IndicatorArt, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, Starlight Studio and Art Gallery, Suburban Adult Services Inc., and The Resource Center. Join us in celebrating this collaborative display of artistic ability.

The Albright-Knox’s Access AK: Creative Connection program uses guided tours, hands-on art workshops, and discussions custom 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 art museum environment.

The Arc of Genesee Orleans exists to support people with disabilities and their families in partnership with the community. Programs and services include residential and day habilitation, family support services, service coordination, and pre-school programs in both Genesee and Orleans.

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. 

Several artists who contributed to this collaborative exhibition have shared their thoughts on the importance of art. Please enjoy this video created by iXpress.

The Arts Experience is People Inc.’s fine arts day habilitation program for adults with developmental disabilities. It focuses on self-expression through the arts, from music, drama, visual art, and dance to creative writing and dance aerobics. Classes are facilitated by qualified artists and educators from their respective fields of expertise.

Baker Victory Services (BVS) is a non-profit organization located in Lackawanna that has provided a wide range of services to Western New York children, youth, and families in need for more than 160 years. Each year, more than 12,000 children and families of every race, color, and religion receive care from approximately 1,200 full- and part-time staff members. Programs include Early Education and Daycare, School-Age Education, Youth Residential Services, Foster Care, Care Management, Residential Services & Support for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Outpatient Counseling, and the Baker Victory Dental Center.

Claddagh Commission, Inc. is a non-profit agency that provides services to developmentally disabled individuals. Our agency provides an array of services to assist in all aspects of people’s lives.

Heritage Centers supports children and adults with disabilities (and their families) in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive services.

IndicatorArt is a not-for-profit providing artistic programs for people with developmental disabilities. We currently offer painting and music workshops that consist of six one-hour sessions. We tap into the innate creativity of each participant by offering small class sizes, creating a fun environment, and having respect for all. Our programs are inclusive and are held within the community at the First Presbyterian Church in East Aurora. At the conclusion of each workshop, participants present their creations at an art show or music event to which the public is invited.

For more than 60 years, Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, the Niagara County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc., has been the single contact point for individuals of all ages with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families. We are dedicated to maximizing their quality of life by providing them the resources to reach their greatest potential, including training, employment, recreation, horticulture therapy, fine arts, technology, service coordination. Our experienced employees assist more than 600 individuals to achieve their goals, learn to lead independent lives, make personal choices, and become active participants in their communities.

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 mission of Suburban Adult Services, Inc. is to provide adults, children, and elderly individuals in need of services with habilitative and rehabilitative programs, including both work and non-work related programs. It provides meaningful activities, evaluation, supportive social services, transportation, and counseling in human relationships, as well as community residential facilities.

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.