TEEN FELLOWSHIP
AN EXPERIENTIAL TEEN PROGRAM
The Ah Haa Fellowship is an art intensive running from January-April each year, designed to provide high school students throughout the San Miguel Watershed with practical experience at an arts organization while pursuing their art endeavors through an Independent Project in their desired medium.
This program additionally guides students through portfolio development, professional growth, college prep, and resume building mentorships which will culminate in a group exhibition.
Ah Haa offers financial support for each student’s projects through their proposed budgets and allotted stipends.
Eligibility
Rising 9th-12th grade students residing in the San Miguel Watershed
Fellows must commit 1-4 hours per week for working and open studio
16 week commitment
Spring: January-April
Fellows must complete the application process for consideration
INDEPENDENT PROJECT
Can include various mediums such as Ceramics, Painting and Drawing, Culinary Arts, Non-Profit Business, Printmaking, Fiber Arts, Digital Art and Design, Sculpture, Bookbinding, Comics and Animation, Performance, Curation and Gallery, STEAM and more!
Must commit to the timeline outlined below
COSTS
Financial Stipend is based on Independent Project proposals and time commitment
Additional stipends could be awarded for extended projects
FELLOWSHIP TIMLINE
January Weeks 1-4
- Orientation: We will meet as a cohort to layout the expectations and dates of the program
- Independent Project Proposal: Fellows will design a formal proposal for an Independent Project, learning the skills to plan and execute their art project. Projects will explore a chosen medium and will be supported by art instruction and peer critiques. The program will culminate in a showcase of Fellows’ projects.
- Budgeting: Fellows will be guided through the budgeting process and order materials for their project with the help of the Manager of Visual Arts
Create: Students get to work on their projects
FEBRUARY Weeks 5-8
- One-on-One Art Coaching: Fellows will receive individual coaching sessions with Ah Haa instructors specializing in their chosen medium, focusing on technique, artistic practice, and refining their Independent Project.
- Hands-On Department Rotations: Fellows will complete brief rotations with Ah Haa’s exhibitions, marketing, business, programming, and teaching departments, providing exposure to nonprofit operations and potential career paths in the arts.
- Midway Peer Critique: Fellows will gather for a group critique halfway through the program. This session is an opportunity to practice giving and receiving constructive feedback in a structured, art school-style setting.
March Weeks 9-12
- Written Artist Statement: Each Fellow will learn to write an artist statement to articulate their intentions, style, and inspirations, preparing them to communicate about their work effectively in future applications and exhibitions.
- Portfolio-Ready Artwork: Fellows will learn to photograph their work to build a professional portfolio.
- Artist Talk: A panel of 3 local artists will come talk with Fellows about their practice and what it means to be a working artist in today’s professional landscape. Fellows will learn about self-promotion, applying for grants, artist residencies and more.
April Weeks 13-15
- Final Critique: Fellows will aim to finish their Independent Project by the first week of April with a final critique with their art coach and the Manager of Visual Arts
- Seasonal Supper: Fellows will gather for a Seasonal Supper in the Culinary Kitchen, fostering peer relationships and celebrating their work and growth.
- Installation: The Ah Haa Exhibitions Manager will speak with Fellows about curation and installation, helping them prepare their work for the Fellowship’s final showcase.
MAY Weeks 15-16
- Final Reception and Q&A: Fellows will present their completed Independent Project in a final reception, participating in a Q&A session to discuss their creative process and insights from the program with friends and family.
- Compensation: Fellows will be paid a stipend for their time working at Ah Haa and on their Independent Project. One half of the stipend is to be paid Week 1 of the program and the other half is paid upon completion.
- Project Evaluation and Certification: Upon completion of the program, Fellows will undergo a final evaluation with the Manager of Visual Arts and receive a certificate acknowledging the skills and experiences gained during the Fellowship.
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