Buffalo, NY – A new exhibition opened yesterday at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery highlighting the creative work of Western New York students, and the dedication of the teachers who inspire them. 

The "Inspired" exhibition is a product of the beloved Art’scool program, presented by BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York with the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Art’scool provides free admission and transportation for K–12 school groups to visit the museum for curriculum-focused tours designed to enhance critical and creative thinking skills across curriculum disciplines. Teachers participating in the program this school year were invited to submit their students’ artwork to the "Inspired" art contest, as well as information about how their lesson plans were inspired by Art’scool. Artworks from the schools listed below were selected by a panel of judges and are currently on view at the museum. 

“Our partnership with the Albright-Knox has delivered visual learning experiences to over 100,000 students across Western New York,” said Julie R. Snyder, Vice President of Corporate Relations at BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “By opening doors to the museum, we have helped broaden students’ education and developed a sustaining appreciation for the arts. We’re proud to provide this opportunity and hope this year’s exhibition will inspire others as well.” 

Albright-Knox Peggy Pierce Elfvin Director Janne Sirén spoke about the importance of the Art’scool program, noting, “Visual literacy is a vital component of a twenty-first century education, and it plays an essential role in developing our next generation of imaginative leaders. Without Art’scool, and the support of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, many area teachers and students might not have the opportunity to engage in the kind of visual thinking that this program fosters.”

The Art’scool "Inspired" exhibition will remain on view until June 19, with a selection of winning entries available to view online. 

Grades K–5 Category: 
1st Prize – Teacher: Peggy Pylypciw, Blasdell Elementary, Grade 4
2nd Prize – Teacher: Elaine Korczykowksi, Alexander Hamilton Elementary, Grade 4
3rd Prize – Teacher: Kari Achatz, Queen of Heaven, Grade 3
    
Honorable Mention – Teacher: Tracy Rose, Buffalo Public School 33: Bilingual Center, Kindergarten
Honorable Mention - Teacher: Martha Papiernik, Nardin Montessori, Kindergarten

Grades 6–8 Category:
1st Prize – Teacher: Shelia Cannon, Fredonia Middle School, Grades 5–8
2nd Prize – Teacher: Mary McIntyre, Saints Peter and Paul School, Grade 7
3rd Prize – Teacher: Kari Achatz, Queen of Heaven School, Grade 8
    
Honorable Mention – Teacher: Susan Zobrist, Meadow Elementary, Grade 6
Honorable Mention – Teacher: Kari Achatz, Queen of Heaven School, Grade 7

Grades 9–12 Category:
1st Prize – Teacher: Mark Kirsch, Southwestern High School, Grade 9
2nd Prize – Teacher: David Carlson, Frontier High School, Grades 10–12
3rd Prize – Teacher: Andrea Mancuso, Nichols School, Grades 10–12
    
Honorable Mention – Teacher: Amanda Besl, Nichols School, Grade 10
Honorable Mention – Teacher: Brandy Noody, Fredonia High School, Grades 11–12

###