Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Gift Makes Burchfield Penney Art Center Admission Free for K-12 Students

For Immediate Release

Buffalo, NY (March 5, 2025) – The Burchfield Penney Art Center is thrilled to announce that thanks to a generous grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, admission is now free for all K-12 students through December of 2025, including for students visiting as part of school tours.

Each school year, more than 8,000 students from 200 schools across the region visit the Center, including every third-grade classroom in the Buffalo Public School District since 2019. With this support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Center can expand access to even more students and ensure that cost is not a barrier to experiencing art.

The Burchfield Penney Art Center, dedicated to the work of Charles E. Burchfield and Western New York artists, provides docent-led exhibition tours for all school groups. Educators also have the option to add a hands-on artmaking activity to their visit. These creative experiences deepen student engagement and reinforce learning through making.

“We see firsthand how experiencing art in a museum setting sparks curiosity and creativity in students of all ages,” said Mary Kozub, Director of Education at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. “This incredible support from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield allows us to welcome even more young learners, helping them connect with art in ways that are meaningful and inspiring.”

“Art education is a powerful tool for inspiring young minds, fostering creativity, and encouraging dialogue on themes that impact our community,” said Burchfield Penney Executive Director Scott Propeack. “With schools facing increasing demands on limited resources, this generous gift from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will make a meaningful difference for students across our region, particularly those from underserved communities.”

“Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is proud to partner with the Burchfield Penney Art Center, supporting its vital role in enriching the lives of Western New York children,” said Michael Ball, Vice President, Community Affairs. “This program does make a difference, and we're excited to see our investment further expand its reach and impact on students across the region. ”

For more information on scheduling a free school tour, visit burchfieldpenney.org/learn/school-group-tours/.

About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield 
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is a trade name of Highmark Western and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Since 1936, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield employs more than 1,400 people and serves as a key economic driver in the region. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of the community.

About the Burchfield Penney Art Center
Established in 1966 on the campus of SUNY Buffalo State University, the Burchfield Penney Art Center is dedicated to the art and vision of renowned American artist Charles E. Burchfield (1893–1967) and the art and artists of Buffalo and our region.

Contact: Julia Norris
Director of Communications
Burchfield Penney Art Center
norrisjl[at]buffalostate.edu