Jump Start Student Biennial Exhibition, “Finding Ourselves,” May 26 – June 30, 2023

Every two years, the Buffalo Arts Studio community comes together to celebrate the amazing students in our Jump Start program. This year’s Biennial Student Exhibition is titled, Finding Ourselves. Finding Ourselves 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. The title of the show was chosen by the students and speaks to the journey they have been on both personally and with their art. Work in a variety of media will be on display including drawing, painting, video, ceramics, and multimedia.

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 the ability to pay.

“The Jump Start program gave me the opportunity and strength to create when it was vital. It encouraged an outlet for me when I had no idea I needed it. Now I’m safe to follow my aspirations of being creative for a living and defining myself as a designer.” – Jaia Redden, Jump Start Student

“I’m not always sure why I make art or what constitutes me as an artist, but I know I felt confident about the work that evolved from being in that environment. I am grateful that the Jump Start Program has established a place of community where many people can begin or continue their art practices.” – Helen Beckley-Forest, Jump Start Student

“The Buffalo Arts Studio gave Carly a safe place where she not only felt accepted and comfortable, she could explore her love of art in a way she hadn’t been able to in any other setting including traditional school. From middle school to graduation, she had somewhere to go where she could talk about her passion for art, make friends, and learn from other artists who have literally changed her life. We would wait for the class lists each session and she would eagerly pick out what she was going to learn next. Carly made friendships over the years that were invaluable especially when the decision came to pick colleges and they all could exchange information and plans.” – Michele Glashauser, Parent of Jump Start Student

“The Jump Start program is an important part of the Buffalo Arts Studio mission because it supports the young people who will be the next generation of artists, educators, administrators, and collectors.” – Alma Carrillo, Executive Director of Buffalo Arts Studio

Exhibition catalog available here.

Press Release available here.

Photos by Christina Buscarino.