Creative Connection

Two children seated at a table making art, with two adults seated next to them and one standing behind to guide them — Photograph by Tom Loonan

Organizations that provide services for people with disabilities are invited to schedule free individualized group sessions through our 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 provides visitors a creative learning experience. Focus is placed on providing opportunities for recreation and socialization, increasing sensory awareness and integration, improving feeling identification, and expression through the use of art.

Groups are usually limited to ten participants, and must be accompanied by agency/school staff at all times. Accommodations can be made depending on participating program structure and should be discussed at time of registration. Sessions are 90 minutes long and are free of charge. In order to ensure a safe and socially distant environment for our staff and visitors, the Creative Connection program will be offered virtually while we continue to gather information on the status of the pandemic.

For more information, or to schedule a virtual session, please contact Access & Community Programs Coordinator Karen Duval at 716.270.8249 or kduval@albrightknox.org.

Access AK: Creative Connection Visit Request Form

Here are some suggestions that will help you and your group get the most out of your experience.

Prior to Your Visit

Please take the time to fill out the Visit Request Form as completely as you can. Feel free to attach extra notes or information about your group.
The information shared through the Visit Request Form will enable educators to create a tour and art activity that can reinforce curriculum/program goals.
Call with any questions or concerns, or if you are running late the day of your visit.

Help us preserve the past for the future! In order to ensure the safety of all works of art on view, we ask you to instruct staff, teachers, and participants to observe the following:

Visit Guidelines

Please do not touch the artwork.
Food, drink (including bottled water), and chewing gum are not permitted in Albright-Knox Northland.
In most cases, non-flash photography is allowed, but we sometimes ask you not to take photos of certain artworks on view.

View All Visit Guidelines

In Special Exhibitions

Name tags are helpful.
Please stay with the group at all times and closely monitor student/participant behavior.
If necessary, staff are welcome to use classroom space for students/participants who may need a less stimulating environment.

In the Classroom

Our goal is to allow participants/students to express themselves freely through the act of making art.
You know your students/participants best; please give them the greatest amount of independence possible while creating.

How much do the Access AK programs cost?
Through the generous support of community foundations and grants, all Access AK programs, including Creative Connection, are free for participating organizations and schools.

Who can participate in the program?
The Creative Connection program is designed to welcome organizations that provide services for all ages of people with disabilities. Some examples of participating organizations include human services agencies, residential treatment facilities, mental health facilities, outpatient treatment programs, schools, and programs for people with visual or hearing impairments.

How often can groups attend the Creative Connection program?
Groups can schedule up to four visits in a six-month period, depending on availability. Program sessions are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Can we take photographs?
You are welcome to take photographs of your students/participants and their artwork in the classrooms. In most cases, non-flash photography is allowed in special exhibitions, but we sometimes ask you not to take photos of certain artworks on view.

Does Albright-Knox Northland have lunch facilities?
Albright-Knox Northland does not have lunch facilities for groups.

How can I contribute to Access AK?
If you would like to make a financial contribution or donate supplies to the Access AK programs, please call 716.270.8247.

Access AK Programs