Overview:
The Young Apprentice Program (Y.A.P.) is an innovative nine week intensive visual arts program designed for teenagers in the New Orleans area. Building on a historically inspired apprenticeship model, Y.A.P. will pair eight to ten youth with master artists at work inside a focused studio environment. Participants will explore the basics of aesthetic perception, creative expression, art history and critical analysis through the first four week “Core Classroom” experience, before moving to the apprenticeship phase of the program within four main shops: printmaking, ceramics, glassblowing and metalworking. Y.A.P. will conclude with a reception and public exhibition of participant’s work.
Louisiana ArtWorks gratefully acknowledges the support the Young Apprentice Program receives from AT&T Foundation, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, Better Than Ezra Foundation, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation and Charles Evans Hughes Foundation.
Program Goals:
To establish a quality youth educational program through an apprenticeship framework that benefits not only the student, but encourages the sustainability and development of the arts within their community and city as a whole.
- broaden students knowledge base in the visual arts: history,
practice, concept, and career opportunities - strengthen self-initiative, trust, respect and teamwork
- opportunities for growth through apprenticeship levels
- help in art portfolio construction and management
- training and development of peer-mentors
- sustaining and furthering the arts in the community through a public dialogue, guest artists, and exhibitions
Week 1: The Big Picture (contemporary art)
How art made the world – past to present. The role of the artist in society throughout history. Art activities will focus on elements and principles of design. Begin work on whole group mural project.
Week 2: Paperworks (drawing & printmaking)
Field trip influenced project. Visiting artist to discuss their work and arrange activity for students. Beginning with drawings, work will finalize in printshop.
Week 3: Canvas to Camera (painting & photo)
Students will utilze photography as a tool in making art. Exploring contemporary artists such as Kerry James Marshall, Willie Birch and Mel Chin. Paintings inspired by these contemporary influences.
Week 4: The Third Dimension (sculpture & architecture)
Visiting artists from Common Ground in the Lower Ninth Ward will engage the students in fundamentals of three-dimensional constructions within a variety of scales.
Weeks 5 – 9: Apprenticeship
Students will select one of four shops in which to apprentice: metal, print-making, ceramics and glass.