ST. LOUIS — After school at St. Louis ArtWorks you will find apprentices painting, designing, and learning.
St. Louis ArtWorks is a year-round, paid job training program using art to teach essential life and job skills to underserved youth in our area.
Jacquline K. Dace is the executive director.
"Art is a way to express yourself, and also to be creative thinkers. So, regardless of whether or not they go into the field of art, they can use the skills they learn developing art projects in anything that they do," Dace said.
14-19-year-olds can apply for the program. These apprentices can choose from multiple mediums, from painting to jewelry making, to even art and technology.
Amirah Cotton is part of the art and technology program. She is designing cartoons and digital art pieces alongside her fellow apprentices.
"My favorite part of the program is that I got a little bit into socializing with different people, which helps me a lot because of my anxiety, but it also helps a lot more people that have the same problem as me. And also, I get to express my art as well," Cotton said.
While they are creating, they also participate in life skills classes. Today, Thrivent Financial is onsite teaching a financial literacy course.
"It's not taught in school, it's not necessarily taught in the classroom. So, this is a way in which they can learn more about how they can invest, what's important, and what to look out for, you know, give them the dos and the don'ts," Dace said.
"It teaches me a lot about my future," Cotton said.
St. Louis ArtWorks hosts an art sale at the end of each season.
"That's a way of helping to fund our program," Dace said.
Attendees can purchase apprentice’s creations while supporting the organization’s mission of creating opportunities for youth in our city.
The Spring Art Sale is happening this Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at St. Louis ArtWorks, located at 5959 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112.
For more information visit stlartworks.org.
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