The Creative Problem Solvers Series: Poet Tree of Light
3rd–5th graders design messages of encouragement for families in need, with perspective and empathy prompts. Winter essentials are provided to families in need.
The Creative Problem Solvers series allows 3rd-5th graders the opportunity to become creative problem solvers! Participants will use the creative arts to solve problems while developing Critical Thinking, Innovation,Collaboration, Planning, Reflection & Presentation skills.
Tales from the Porch: Expanding Perspectives @BuffaloAKG
Celebrating One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama—Polyblocks, Paper & Prose
FREE
Digital Media Studio, Knox Building
In celebration of One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama, enjoy a Kusama-inspired building experience that offers a cohesive, family-friendly experience centered on three hands-on building stations.
Polyblock Station: 3:30–4:30 pm
Using Legos, build repeatable, poly-block worlds inspired by Kusama’s motifs, inspired by works on view.
Paper Station: 5–6 pm
Create with paper, crafting circle-based forms and patterns that evoke polka dots, circles, and immersive circular architectures, culminating in a circle-focused paper book.
Prose Station: 6:30–7:30 pm
Add words at the Prose Station to interpret images and build, producing short captions, micro-poems, or reflections inspired by Aitina Fareed-Cooke’s Kusama-inspired photography; these lines can be assembled into a collaborative poem or a series of micro-entries shared with the group.
Across all three stations, participants will practice critical thinking, collaboration, and imaginative storytelling while engaging with themes of repetition, pattern, and immersive perception found in Kusama’s work. Younger participants receive scaffolded prompts to translate art into tangible forms, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all ages.
This is part of an ongoing activation called Tales from the Porch: Expanding Perspectives at the AKG.
Teachers are Writers
In this creative writing workshop we will provide space for school teachers and educators to explore their own creative work and writing practice, with space for discussion and exploration.
This workshop is FREE and aimed at teachers. BPS teachers can register on PGS; non-BPS teachers register by emailing Molly Eldridge at MEldridge@buffaloschools.org
The Creative Problem Solvers Series: Tower of Gratitude
3rd–5th graders engage in creative problem solving, collaboration, and growth mindset through LEGO, Magna-Tiles, and storytelling activities.
The Creative Problem Solvers series allows 3rd-5th graders the opportunity to become creative problem solvers! Participants will use the creative arts to solve problems while developing Critical Thinking, Innovation,Collaboration, Planning, Reflection & Presentation skills.
Post Production Diversity Initiative Program (Application Open)
Get Fokus’d Productions & The Creative Arts Strategist are in collaboration with Buffalo State University and their Post Production Diversity Initiative.
PPDI is a one-year program that prepares 22 participants from diverse backgrounds for entry-level careers in video editing and audio mixing in the highly competitive music, video, and media industries.
Aitina Fareed-Cooke is in support of their marketing efforts and providing Creative Portfolio workshops.
Applications for the Post Production Diversity Initiative (PPDI) 2025-2026 are now open! Apply now!!
*Applications due by Monday, September 15th at midnight
Photos by: Kalvin Booker / Through His Lens Photography - in collaboration with Get Fokus’d Productions
Jesse Steffan-Colucci, Buffalo State photographer
In collaboration with:
Buffalo State University
Avid
Motion Picture Editors Guild, I.A.T.S.E. Local 700
Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center
Get Fokus’d Productions
GCR audio
Buffalo Fashion Runway Black Carpet II
Aitina will be joining this years Buffalo Fashion Runway with a Poetic Performance to celebrate excellence at Black Carpet II, Buffalo's premier Black History Month event featuring fashion, art, and community!
CLICK HERE for tickets
Tales from the Porch: Expanding Perspectives Workshop
Tales from the Porch: Expanding Perspectives Workshop
Location: Just Buffalo Writing Center
468 Washington St. (2nd Floor)
Buffalo NY 14203
The JBWC Creative Writing Programs for Youth are FREE and aimed at young students aged 12–18
Poetic Performance at the Unveiling of Julia Bottoms Commission
Fika Midwifery at the Coit House in collaboration with C.S.1 Curatorial Projects Cordially Invites You To Attend The Private Unveiling of Fika Midwifery's Commissioned Painting "Embracing The New" - by Julia Bottoms
5:30 Remarks & Performance
Poetic Performance by "A.l. The Anomaly" (Aitina Fareed-Cooke)
Nursing Portrait Sessions - Get Fokus'd Productions sign-up: cslprojects.org
Children's art activity by Emma Brittain
Snacks Thyme-N-Honey - Cocktails
CLICK HERE to Learn More & RSVP
Poetic Performance for the Celebration of the Life Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Event
Poetic Performance for the Celebration of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Event
Location: Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center
341 Deleware Ave.
Free to the Public