Sketchbooking for Young Artists

This exhibit includes art created by eight students who participated in the Spring 2021 “Sketchbooking for Young Artists” Program, organized by the Buffalo Society of Artists (BSA) and in conjunction with Buffalo Public School 19.  Participating BSA members Catherine Shuman Miller, Mary Wyrick, Karla Levi, Chris Galley, Mike Killelea, and Steve Peet served as artist mentors to this group of middle school students.

The “Sketchbooking” program was inspired by the closing of schools and narrowing of opportunities for kids during the pandemic.  It was funded by an ASI grant and took place from January through the end of May 2021.  We provided art supplies as well as our time and passion for art. We connected with the students solely via an online platform for the duration of the program. It allowed us to connect, contribute, and inspire during the difficult months of Covid.

The participants were Amuri, EhSo, NaNie, Noor, Patience, Snowaye, Syafiqua, and Wah Noe. These 5^th-8^th grade students had personalized creative experiences enabling them to visually explore their surroundings and their imaginations using their own sketchpads.

Tom Murphy, Public School 19 art teacher, patiently facilitated the online program as well as the communication between mentors and students.

Initial basic supplies for the program were donated privately, as well as by Buffalo Public Schools Director of Arts Michele Agosto and Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT.) A Buffalo Society of Artists’ Grant was later received to provide additional supplies for students to explore a variety of professional media. All photos of the student work were taken and submitted by the participating students.