THE WESTERN NEW YORK BOOK ARTS CENTER promotes greater understanding of printing and book-related arts through education, creation, and exhibition for a broad and diverse community. Located in the heart of downtown Buffalo, just a block away from the downtown library, our Center is a vibrant place of creativity! We boast a rotating gallery showcasing the work of local artists working in book & printmaking, an artisan shop representing 75+ regional artists, stocked with handmade wares like handprinted cards, posters, apparel and handmade books of all kinds. The gem of our center is ouR studio, where we host hands-on origami & hand stitched bookmaking workshops, and classes in screen print and letterpress printing by hand on our antique presses - for students of all ages. create a letterpress printed poster with your own custom saying, hand-print a t-shirt or tote bag with your custom design, or bind a handmade journal to use back in the school classroom! in classes students will learn about the history of the craft they're engaging with, and work with specialty artists' tools to create a work of art by hand from start to finish.

In "The Art of SPLIT-SECOND SUCCESS: How to ACT FAST and Create Positive Results NOW!", Robert Channing presents an amazing performance that combines his renowned mentalism abilities, “E.S.P. Magic of the Mind,” with “Imagination Into Art” speed painting. With over 30 years and thousands of shows for students of all ages, this unique program masterfully blends art, education, mentalism, innovation, and imagination, delivering an unforgettable experience that your students will cherish. With national recognition from shows like America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, and The Steve Harvey Show, Robert's performance is a must-see live experience. Students will leave motivated to ACHIEVE MORE, holding onto the memories of his performance for years to come. Robert's uplifting presentation inspires students to DREAM BIG and harness their intuitive powers. As a supernatural entertainer and speed painter, he transforms the atmosphere with a dynamic program filled with laughter, participation, and inspiration through mental magic, rapid artistic creations, and speed painting of iconic figures. His mind-reading skills reveal thoughts known only to the individuals he reads, along with fun and entertaining predictions, as well as demonstrations of extrasensory perception and telepathy, with total audience participation. His speed painting skills allow him to create stunning portraits and masterpieces of iconic figures on a 4-foot by 5-foot canvas, all set to heart-pounding music. He crafts these portraits in minutes, often revealing them using clear glue and glitter to create a magical effect. He also paints upside down for an added twist of excitement. His extensive repertoire of over 100 icons includes famous figures like Albert Einstein, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Taylor Swift, along with custom portraits of your choosing, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as each identity is revealed. Once a portrait is completed, Robert shares amazing and inspirational stories about the individuals he painted, highlighting their journeys through adversity. He tailors the show to different age groups, ensuring that younger students enjoy relatable characters and themes. Relevant topics such as Dreaming Big, Diversity, Inclusion, and Overcoming Bullying are also addressed. In addition to performances for students, Robert offers appreciation programs for staff, encouraging educators to stay motivated and overcome challenges in their field. "The Art of SPLIT-SECOND SUCCESS" is more than just a performance; it’s an inspiring, mind-blowing experience that motivates both students and staff to live passionately and reach new levels of success. Robert promises three surprises: something you've never seen, something you'll never see again, and something you must see to believe. Are you ready to elevate your next NYS Arts-in-Education program at your school with this extraordinary mentalist and speed painter?

National Geographic author and science celebrity Steve Tomecek, "The Dirtmeister" offers interactive science assemblies and non-fiction author programs for elementary schools and public libraries.

Actor, singer and storyteller Lou Del Bianco has been performing for audiences of all ages since 1982. According to the New York Times, Lou’s dramatic approach to storytelling “puts pow into passivity!” The Parents Choice foundation states that “few performers excel as both storyteller and musician, but Lou Del Bianco is one who does.” Lou’s PARENTS CHOICE award winning recordings have garnered high praise from Billboard Magazine, NAPPA, T.V. GUIDE, BOOKLIST, CHILD Magazine, Family Fun and others! Lou has performed all over the country, from the Tastes of Chicago to the Kravis Center to Carnegie Hall. His music video, “A Little Bit Clumsy”, was featured on the Learning Channel. He has traveled the Northeast for 30 years, performed in San Diego at the International Reading Association’s annual convention and served as keynote speaker on arts / character education from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Lou has been an artist-in-residence since 1987 and has worked in many schools alongside teachers to help improve literacy in the classroom. His Around the World and Make a Good Choice! one man shows have reached thousands of elementary school children all over the tri-state area. At 6’4”, Lou’s portrayal of Abraham Lincoln has been endorsed by the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. He has also been the go to “Lincoln” for THE TONIGHT SHOW with Jimmy Fallon. Jimmy loves Abe Lou’s grandfather, Luigi, was the chief carver on Mount Rushmore and was honored by TLC’s CAKE BOSS. His one man show about his grandfather was performed to rave reviews at Mount Rushmore. On September 16, 2017, a plaque was unveiled at Rushmore honoring Luigi’s unique contribution. Lou’s 25 year journey to get Luigi recognized culminated with a CBS SUNDAY MORNING story as well as the publication of Lou’s award winning book, “Out of Rushmore’s Shadow”. CNN historian Douglas Brinkley says this groundbreaking book “…turns orthodox history on its head.” Since then, Luigi’s unique role has been featured on several prime time TV shows like “The UnXplained” with William Shatner and “Ancient Aliens”. From History to Diversity to Social Emotional Learning, Lou offer a wide range of programs for elementary and middle schools.

Multi-media storyteller, musician, and adventure cyclist George Maurer presents Tales from a Bicycle Seat, a cultural exploration of his epic journeys across the US, Iceland, Patagonia, Sri Lanka, Canada, and Vietnam. Touches on diversity, cultural exchange, character education, growth mindset, cultural geography and more. Short segment on bike safety included in every show! Tales from a Bicycle Seat blends live storytelling, demonstration and interaction with original music and stunning video from George’s international bike-packing expeditions to show students how pushing past his comfort zone broadened his understanding of the world and of himself, tested his limits and showed him that human connection can transcend culture, language and geography. George draws from his 35 years as a world-class composer and performer to curate a uniquely creative up-close experience. Students almost feel like they’re on stage as he immerses them in live Go-Pro and drone footage from the road and invites dialogue so they can ask questions and explore with him what it means to build character, have empathy and grow personally.

We offer several performers from our roster for BOCES Programs.

Sit back and let the musicians of Percussia take you on a musical journey using percussion instruments, chants and rhythms from all over the world. With stops in Brazil, West Africa, India, Cuba and China, this high-octane, engaging program deepens students’ knowledge of geography, global cultures, and their music. Students become active participants in the show by clapping rhythms, singing songs and even participating in a Chinese Lion Dance. Percussia would be thrilled to join you at your next assembly and kick off our trip with our signature samba parade.

We are a movement of second chances and self-worth through media content, music, school assembly programs and outreaches. Reminding people that it's NEVER too late for a CLEAN SLATE! You are WORTHY to "Rewrite Tomorrow

Award-winning illustrator and author Chris Soentpiet brings three decades of experience to his dynamic school visits, inspiring a lifelong love of reading and art. In thousands of schools worldwide, Chris has proven his ability to boost reading scores, increase library circulation, and improve school-wide morale. His engaging presentations are more than just a show. They are a valuable educational tool that aligns with Common Core standards and is perfect for kickstarting PARP programs. Chris expertly ties his visits into your curriculum, connecting with holidays and heritage months to make learning relevant and exciting. At a time when reading is declining, a visit from Chris Soentpiet provides the essential spark to get kids excited about books. He empowers students to express themselves through writing and drawing, showing them that their own stories matter. Book a visit to give your students an unforgettable experience that celebrates reading and the arts.

I am the author of a fantasy novel called The Knights: Lost in the Void. The story is assessible to everyone, but has been popular with teen boys who are not necessarily readers because it follows the style of comic books and anime. The story takes place in a fantasy world but the three main characters are facing real life situations regarding severe trauma, bullying, and anger and have to come to terms with those issues before they can succeed in their mission. There are glimpses of depression, anxiety, and grief in the latter part of the book, so the novel can be triggering for some people. I can offer the following programs: Book discussions for teens Book discussions fantasy Book discussions for boys Writing workshops

Ballet Performances

The author/illustrator of over 30 children’s books, Eric Velasquez is also the recipient of the NAACP Image Award for outstanding literature of children. His pre-K - 12 programs are admired by students and teachers alike-- Eric is as good a storyteller in person as he is on the page. During his 45-60 minute presentations, Eric generally relates his personal dual-heritage experience growing up in Spanish Harlem, accompanied by the autobiographical illustrations and music featured in his books. He also explains his writing and artistic process from brainstorming through revision, culminating in a live portrait session (projected on screen so every student can see), which is accompanied by a Q&A.