ArtWorks Apprentices Explore the Buffalo AKG Art Museum

This Fall, 36 high school students were accepted into our ArtWorks program - a paid, creative, arts-based training and college readiness program for high school students. Apprentices are hired as paid participants and mentored by professional Teaching Artists in a specific art form. Through this experience, students develop both artistic skills and transferable life and workforce skills that prepare them for success in college, careers, and beyond.

This semester, apprentices are divided into two cohorts: Sculpture with Teaching Artist Kristin Brandt, and Book Arts with Teaching Artist Laura Chenault.

In October, the apprentices enjoyed a special field trip to the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, where they explored the works of various artists and learned more about the art forms they’ve been studying this semester.

Here’s what one of our apprentices, Gianna, had to say

about her experience at the AKG:

What was your first thought when you arrived at the museum? Did anything remind you of your ArtWorks projects? 

"I haven’t been to the Museum in a while… I know that tickets are expensive, so it was great - and very kind of ArtWorks - to invest in such a wonderful experience. Seeing everyone’s different views on different paintings reminded me of class critiques, when we discussed what we liked in each other’s work."

Which artwork inspired you the most and why? How might it influence your own work in ArtWorks?

"I really enjoyed seeing all of the portraits in the Museum, created in different styles and periods, like Romanticism and sculpture. I love doing portraits myself, so seeing these varied approaches inspires me to try new ways of drawing and to take risks - not to be afraid of creating “bad” art."

Did seeing different styles or techniques spark new ideas for your ArtWorks projects?

"Seeing all these different styles reminded me to experiment and not fear making mistakes. The more we try, even if a piece doesn’t turn out perfect, the more likely we are to discover techniques or styles we really enjoy and might use in the future."

Did you learn anything from your peers during the visit? How does this experience relate to collaborating in ArtWorks?

"I discovered that my friend Emmet and I both loved the paintings in the Northern Lights collection. The landscapes captured our attention, and we spent a lot of time discussing what we liked and noticed about each piece. It reminded me how valuable it is to share perspectives with others and learn from each other’s observations."

What’s one thing you learned about art, creativity, or yourself that you’ll bring back to ArtWorks?

"One big takeaway from visiting the AKG was the importance of exploring different styles and methods of drawing and painting. Letting go of the fear of making “bad” art allows me to experiment, take risks, and potentially discover new ways of creating that I’ll carry forward in my work."

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The ArtWorks apprentices continue to grow their skills, confidence, and creativity - inside the studio and beyond. Experiences like the AKG field trip inspire them to experiment, collaborate, and embrace the journey of artistic exploration.

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Want to see more from this semester? Check out our ArtWorks Fall 2025 Photo Album for behind-the-scenes moments, studio sessions, and highlights from the apprentices’ creative journey!