To express appreciation for the frontline heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State College today announced it will offer free, six-month memberships to all healthcare workers.  The offer is now available and valid through the end of the year.

“Healthcare workers continue to fight the fight putting their lives at risk to care for others throughout an unprecedented crisis,” said Dennis Kois, Burchfield Penney executive director. “They selflessly care for all walks of life. This is just a small token of our gratitude for their enormous acts of courage and dedication.”

“The restorative power of art should not be underestimated — it can lift our spirits and support our well-being. COVID-19 has impacted all of us, but healthcare workers have been on the front lines caring for our entire community – keeping us safe and healthy,” said Allegra Jaros, president at Oishei Children’s Hospital. “We’re immensely grateful to the team at Burchfield Penney for recognizing the hard work and sacrifice of our community’s healthcare workers during the pandemic. I encourage all Western New Yorkers to recharge and experience the healing benefits of art at our area’s renowned cultural institutions.”

As a Burchfield Penney member at the Individual level ($50 value), healthcare workers wil receive free access to unlimited admission to the museum, invitations to special events, discounts on educational programs, subscriptions to mailings and online content, 10% discount at The Museum Store and reciprocal admission to participating New York State museums through Empire State Museums Reciprocal Program (ESMRP).

To activate the free membership, healthcare workers can enroll at the Burchfield Penney Visitors Services desk during regular hours of operation. For more information, email Shawn Schlifke at schlifst@buffalostate.edu. Due to COVID-19, gallery hours are Friday – Sunday, 11 AM - 4 PM for the general public; 10 AM - 11 AM for members, seniors, and those at increased risk.