Jump Start Student Biennial Exhibition, “Envision”

Every two years, the Buffalo Arts Studio community comes together to celebrate the amazing students in our Jump Start program. Envision will include nearly 200 artworks by current Jump Start students as well as college students and graduates who participate in our Jump Start Extension program. Students chose the title in reference to their personal and professional journeys as artists and individuals. 

Jump Start works with middle and high school students who show a strong ability and deep interest in the visual arts, and guides them along their college and career path. Jump Start is an essential part of Buffalo Arts Studio’s larger mission of cultural access, providing high-quality art instruction, professional development, portfolio preparation, exhibiting experience, and individual mentorship to students across Western New York, regardless of their ability to pay.

“As the Education Director at Buffalo Arts Studio, I have had the pleasure of working on seven biennial Jump Start exhibitions, with this year’s Envision promising to be the most diverse in terms of artworks. Since its conception, our program has focused on drawing, painting, and ceramics; however, over the years, students have shown interest in exploring more non-traditional materials and methods. We have responded with workshops that focus on these concepts. As a result, at this year’s show, viewers will see artwork created by “drawing machines” students created, experiments with alcohol inks, and recycled materials. What has not changed over time is the need for them to share their creativity, ideas, and work with a wider audience.”— Jayne Hughes, Education Director

“The Jump Start program has impacted me as an artist by pushing my creativity and imagination to the limit. The program has helped me meet other artists and introduced me to art styles that help me see into the future of my career, opening my eyes to endless possibilities.”— Abigail Rae, Jump Start Student

Catalog available here.