Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York Supports Free School Tours at the Burchfield Penney Art Center

Partnership supports free admission for visitors under 18 and provides complimentary K–12 school group tours for the 2026–2027 school year

BUFFALO, N.Y. — As the 2026–2027 school year kicks into gear, the Burchfield Penney Art Center is thrilled to announce a partnership with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York that provides free K-12 school group tours, as well as free gallery admission for youth under the age of 18. The program aims to make the art of Western New York accessible to students and educators across the region.

"We are the museum dedicated to the art of Western New York and Charles Burchfield, and it’s extremely important to us that young people have the opportunity not only to visit, but to see themselves reflected in museum spaces,” said Scott Propeack, Executive Director of the Burchfield Penney Art Center. "We are grateful that our partners at Highmark make free youth access and school visits possible.”

“We know children and youth thrive when they have access to experiences that help shape healthy, well-rounded lives. The arts spark creativity, broaden perspectives and inspire self-expression, making them an important part of a child’s growth and development. We are proud to partner with the Burchfield Penney Art Center to expand access and offer these school group tours that enrich opportunities for students across Western New York,” said Michael Ball, vice president of community affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Free K–12 School Group Tours

Highmark's funding makes complimentary guided tours possible for K–12 school groups. The program includes:

• Guided tours designed for young learners in grades K–3, and Visual Thinking Strategies-based tours for grades 4–12
• Tours that can be customized to include hands-on artmaking, creative writing, a focused study of Charles E. Burchfield's work and life, architectural highlights of the building, and access programming for students with disabilities
• School Tours are available Wednesday through Friday, with at least two weeks’ advance booking, for groups of up to 100 students
• Transportation reimbursement for all public and Title I Schools is available through the NYS Connect Kids to Parks Transportation Grant Program

Teachers and school groups can request a tour by contacting Michaela Worosz, Manager of School and Studio Programs, by submitting a request through burchfieldpenney.org/learn/school-group-tours.

 About the Burchfield Penney Art Center

Established in 1966 on the campus of SUNY Buffalo State University, the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s mission is to cultivate and elevate the work of Charles E. Burchfield and Western New York artists. 

The Burchfield Penney Art Center’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Burchfield Penney receives generous public support from SUNY Buffalo State University, Erie County, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Buffalo. Private support is provided by The Cameron and Jane Baird Foundation, the Cullen Foundation, the Charles E. Burchfield Foundation, M&T Bank, The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, the Joy Family Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Designated Inclusive Arts and Culture Organizations Endowment Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Inc., Elizabeth Elser Doolittle Trust, the Mary A. H. Rumsey Foundation, the James Carey Evans Endowment, and many additional individuals, corporations, foundations, and Burchfield Penney members. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. 

About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York  

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York 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 of Western New York 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact

Julia Norris
Director of Communications
716-878-3457
norrisjl[at]buffalostate.edu