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

Every two years, I enjoy the honor of bringing together dozens of Buffalo Arts Studio Jump Start students to present their work in an exhibition that fills both galleries. The Jump Start program provides instruction to high school students who show a strong ability and interest in the visual arts, regardless of their ability to pay. The program also guides high-school graduates along their college and career path through our Jump Start Extension program. Additionally, it empowers the students while helping them develop social and emotional well-being.

Putting together the Jump Start exhibition is truly a labor of love. I invite all the students to participate right from the beginning. We start by discussing what is going on in their lives, what they are thinking about, and how they feel about their place in the world. These young artists come from high school, college, and beyond to be a part of this very special event.

Throughout exhibition development, the students spoke and wrote about how they were able to express feelings and emotions through their art. They talked about how they could find refuge in their creative process and how much they valued the safe and accepting community at Buffalo Arts Studio. Many of these young artists also said they found pride, confidence, and joy through creating. In the end, the students chose the title Finding Ourselves because they wanted to share how they see themselves as artists and as individuals.

The work in this exhibition includes many pieces created with this specific theme in mind, whether made as part of Jump Start classes, college courses, or their professional practices. Finding Ourselves brings together the dynamic artwork of a diverse group of young creatives looking to make their mark on our world.

-Jayne Hughes, Education Director

We are excited to have 45 young artists exhibiting in Finding Ourselves. Although a few of the students are brand new to the program, many have been taking classes for years. Our high school students come from across Western New York with nearly a third living in the city of Buffalo. Our college students attend universities across the country including Cleveland Institute of Art, Daemen College, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Pratt Institute, Savannah College of Art and Design, and the University of Buffalo. One of our artists is majoring in accounting while others study illustration, animation, and graphic design. Our youngest artist joined Jump Start after visiting for years with her “big sister.” Our oldest artist is a graduate of a special effects program and is working on a science fiction novel. One of the artists is now an art teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools. Several of the artists have been with us for over a decade and it has been such a pleasure to watch them learn and grow.

About the program

Jump Start is a dynamic program that empowers youth to explore their interest in the visual arts within a creative, safe & supportive environment. The Jump Start program provides exceptional art instruction, professional development, portfolio preparation, exhibiting experience, exposure to diverse working artists, and much more. It includes a variety of Saturday classes taught by qualified artists, professors, and K-12 art teachers, all of whom demonstrate the willingness and ability to meaningfully connect with young people from diverse backgrounds. Students 13-18 years old can join the program throughout the year. Jump Start artists can stay engaged by participating in exhibitions, professional development, and mentorship opportunities through college and beyond.

Individual mentorship, high grade art supplies, and Professional Development Days are provided at no cost to all our students. There is class tuition; however, any student’s family who expresses financial need receives classes and supplies at no cost to them. No student is ever turned away due to inability to pay.

To enroll, contact Education Director Jayne Hughes at education@buffaloartsstudio.org

Exhibition catalog available here.

Press Release available here.