July 2008 Hall of Fame
Starting Artists: Get inspired. Get creative. Get to work!
Starting Artists: Get inspired. Get creative. Get to work!
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Q1: I am always looking for advice on entrepreneurs who are out there and could be good as role models or resources for my students. Which enterprising individuals do you know or look up to?
(1 pieces of advice)
by Chaula07.24.08 | 11:50 AMA few connections that you might want to explore:
1. Najib Jammal, http://www.bmoreyours.org/ - founded a program for youth to run arts-based businesses so similar to your idea. They just opened their first store!
2. I am sure you must have heard of Threadless but if not, check hem out - http://threadless.com/ - a multimillion dollar arts-based business started by two graphic designers. They would be great role models for the kids in SA.
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Q2: A big part of what Starting Artists does is to inspire other people - youth, families, community members. I'm interested in hearing what inspires other people to create, to take action, to make change. Thanks!
(3 pieces of advice)
07.23.08 | 08:44 AM
Thanks pdw207!
I, too, am inspired by those people in my life who have been so supportive of me and my ideas. That is one of the reasons why we have are so focused on one-on-one attention for students. Also, you make a great point saying that while you're not working in the arts that being creative or having that outlet has helped you. I wholeheartedly agree! My training as an artist makes me a better entrepreneur and I believe that this can apply to so many different fields.Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by pdw20706.04.08 | 07:51 AMI' m inspired by people who believe in me and who motivate me to keep going. When I was growing up I always looked forward to art class. In high school I had an art teacher who encouraged me and I thrived because of it. I want to make sure that everyone has that chance. Although I don't work in the arts now, per se, I know that my training has helped me to be more creative and innovative at my job.
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by pdw20706.04.08 | 07:51 AMI' m inspired by people who believe in me and who motivate me to keep going. When I was growing up I always looked forward to art class. In high school I had an art teacher who encouraged me and I thrived because of it. I want to make sure that everyone has that chance. Although I don't work in the arts now, per se, I know that my training has helped me to be more creative and innovative at my job.
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Q3: Retaining urban teenage participation is challenging. While we have a core group of students that participate in almost all of our activities, we also have a group of students who drop in from time-to-time. Does anyone have good ideas for attracting and retaining urban youth? Thanks!
(6 pieces of advice)
by edevlin06.06.08 | 11:30 AM
One thing I have heard a lot about teenagers and after school is that they "vote with their feet" because they don't have to be there. I think the best way to address that issue is to ensure that your activities are addressing the needs and interests of your participants. And, honestly, I think the best way to do that is to ask your participants. They are certainly old enough to think for themselves and tell you what they want out of the program, and I think if they feel like they have a voice in shaping the program, they are going to be more active, regular participants.
Another suggestion, which sort of relates to your second question as well, would be to set up a mentoring structure for the the students in the program. If they feel a strong connection to an adult who is committed to them, they are going to be more likely to make a commitment to that adult and, thus, the program. I think a great place to look for mentors would be local colleges and universities, particicularly business schools, because it will give your participants something tangible to…more aspire to.
Good luck with the idea, I think it sounds great!Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
by hanichini
06.04.08 | 03:52 PMI've done work with an organization called Umoja Student Development Corporation (www.umojacorporation.org). They basically developed two tracks of programming - one for students who can participate regularly, and one for those who just want to drop in occassionally. Just having two tiers motivated some of the drop-ins to participate more often - the incentive was a different level of programming and support.
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06.04.08 | 07:54 AMThanks pdw207! I think a lot of people can relate - I hear similar stories from others who have had great art teachers or who have been exposed to the arts at a young age. I believe it is essential to have diverse experiences in the arts when children are growing up and now I would add to that it is important for those youth to know what the career of an artist is like, including the business side and other options such as freelancing, project management, and arts administration.
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06.01.08 | 11:53 AMLOVE LOVE LOVE it!! How about finding someone to document your program on camera? --Maybe even one of your students could be your documentarian. I've found that teens thrive with (and need) positive attention. You could make little documentaries about their projects, and your projects and post on YouTube. I think the kids would get a kick from seeing themselves reflected back to the world in positive ways...
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by jcn06.01.08 | 10:14 AMGiving people responsibilities sends a clear signal that you believe in what they're doing, and provides incentive for actually showing up. If your students know that if they don't show up, things won't get done, they might be more inclined to actually do so (and will gain pride in their contributions, which will feed their desire to be more and more involved).
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by pdw20706.01.08 | 10:08 AMMaybe you could have some small prize for good attendance, such as getting your artwork featured in the SA gallery or an invitation to a field trip at a local gallery. If it's clear to the student what the prizes are and that you are keeping track (maybe a posted list of students names with stars to indicate days of attendance) students will pay attention.
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What advice do you have to help me grow my idea?
(14 pieces of advice)by financialieu08.26.08 | 01:04 AMI have an idea for your domain name: startists.com I think the idea is great...
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08.02.08 | 08:32 AMBanantree - I'm interested to know your definition of "actual professional artists" since our Board is made up of a diverse group of artists/arts administrators and is continually evolving. In today's economy and with the opportunities out there for enterprising creative folk - the next generations of workers (not just in the creative fields) are taking on many hats. So, if by "actual professional artists" you mean people who DO NOT use entrepreneurial skills, market themselves, take on freelance work, sell over the internet, consult in a variety of fields, write books & articles, participate in philanthropy & education, then you're right. SA's board members are not those kind of people.
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by bananatree08.01.08 | 10:48 PMI suggest you get some actual professional artists on your board.
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07.24.08 | 01:38 PMThanks Chaula!
I heart Threadless! I tell my students to submit all the time. It is definitely worth looking into to see if we can partner. The other organization looks amazing and I'm excited to learn more. I appreciate it!Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
07.01.08 | 12:19 AMHi Marisa! Congrats on popping up as second highest overall votes! Way cool! Make sure to send me an email when it's time to vote for you in the final round! How did the big opening go? Cindy
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06.06.08 | 01:48 PMThanks for all the great advice! We actually have regularly polled our students - when we were deciding where to locate (which neighborhood in Brooklyn) we did a lot of research and asked over 300 area middle and high school students and 150 of their parents to see what they wanted from our programming and when we should run programs etc. I like the idea of continually getting feedback - both formal and informal. In terms of mentoring - we're working on this too. We have over 25 local artists who are currently volunteering and we are planning a more structured mentoring aspect to this in addition to working with other community groups. Thanks again!
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by Chaula06.06.08 | 12:47 AMMarisa, check out More Than Words bookstore in Boston (www.mtwyouth.com) It is a bookstore-****-cafe-****-performing-arts-center run entirely by youth who were former wards of the state. The youth run the entire operation, often hosting poetry slam nights, selling products etc. Although your focus is different, I believe you can learn a lot from MTW's attraction and retention of teenagers as well as their job skills training program.
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06.05.08 | 10:49 PMWe will be piloting a similar program this summer - I will definitely look at Umoja - sounds like a great organization. I appreciate it!
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06.04.08 | 01:55 PMWow! Great idea - a showcase of sorts would be a huge motivator. A local school with which I work is hosting one of these tomorrow night actually. I'll be sure to take notes there and see how we can borrow their tactics. Thanks ResidentBlobber2!
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06.04.08 | 01:31 PMI think it is an excellent idea! You are actually giving an outlet to the under-served youth to not waste away their priceless talent on wasteful things in the world and instead make them have a sense of achievement by discovering their talent in Arts. Also, I agree, it is absolutely relevant given that the new era of business is all about design and innovation.
As far as motivating drop outs is concerned, how about having a group of students (maybe 2 to 3) from the core group as well from the droputs group to demonstrate their skills LIVE in an established local ART or non ART school. It can be a simple/ informal short session where the winning student and the group as a whole receive admiration from the so to speak learned/ upper class community/ audience. It would give your students a sense of pride, achievement and worth!Are you sure you want to report as abuse?
06.02.08 | 09:33 PMThanks Andy - yes, I agree. We're lucky to have a good core of students right now who are excited for the summer program and keep asking when they can come back to help o
Marisa, You are doing an amazing job. Art is a vital part of a healthy community. Not only do people (especially kids) need a positive, healthy creative outlet to express themselves, but art brings people together. I LOVE that you are teaching these kids the business aspect of art too. I was a mentor to a young girl in the Big Sisters program for 7 years. She was very artistic (a writer) and we always focused on art in conjunction with earning a living. You are making such a positive difference in these kids live, and I hope that POTA will make it easier for artists to make a living. That is my dream. With much respect, Cindy
Thanks for your comments Bananatree - I appreciate your candor. I am an artist and creative professional myself so I understand where you are coming from. I think you're absolutely right - we should be preparing well-rounded students who can think creatively and succeed in whatever field they choose. However, we should also be teaching our youth earlier on that they will need hard business and entrepreneurial skills if they want to make a living by being creative. Most MFA programs do not have a business component and don't talk about the business or legal sides of participating in the economy as an artist. We also teach our students that being creative can have several applications and can manifest itself in a variety of ways - not just starting or working in one field or at one busines…mores but nowadays workers have more flexibility to make a living by freelancing, consulting, taking on various projects, selling over the internet etc. This is especially true in a city like New York where the possibilities are endless for those who are prepared and given the chance to thrive. In addition, I believe the definition of "artist" is changing - not just the "starving artist toiling away in the garrett" but people who work in advertising, marketing, packaging, toy design, apparel, manufacturing, digital design, cooking...I could go on and on. There are so many avenues to being an "artist!" I don't expect that all of our participants will earn a living from their art exclusively, but they will be able to fulfill their passion in one way or another and they will learn skills that can have applications in the creative fields and beyond.
Not to be a downer, I think there's a lot of good things in this project, but... I am an artist and I know a lot of other artists, and there's a reason the cliche is "starving" artists and not starting. The vast majority of artists, including those who are skilled and talented enough to earn fine arts degrees, never earn a living from their art. I ended up in a lot of debt starting a gallery that failed. I would hope you could teach the kids about entrepreneurship but with a healthy dose of reality and how to apply the business skills to other areas beyond the arts.
stahhtingg ahhtistss woop woop
As a creative professional I was truly inspired by the overwhelming enthusiasm and sheer creative force eminating from this group of talented youngsters - truly an inspiration. Sign me up for the next one!
I'm happy to support a fabulous nonprofit place in the hood where young people can express their creativity- GO STARTING ARTISTS
I'm routing for you! Keep up the good work! (Duncan's Dad)
I am a student at Starting Artist and I have to say that it is totally awesome!!! The program really is going to help me if I want to become an artist. The camp provides silk screening, sun prints, and pin point cameras! I would be completely overjoyed if we won this prize money. It would really help us out. Please vote for us and not for design your own lingerie!!!!!!!
I'm very happy that my daughter and I found out about staring artist. I'm quite sure that it has made her summer much more enjoyable.
I'm so glad that i found out about starting artists! i ALWAYS hate camp, but this is totally and exception! I really love starting artists!
Can we get martini glasses if we win? Apple juice taste soooo much better in martini glasses! Please vote for us!
Hi I am Nicole! I am a 7 grader that goes to camp at starting artists! Starting artists will help me through the years to come as an artist. Here we do fun activities such as silk screening,sun prints, photogrophy and more. The adults here (Marisa,owen and Saul) are more like friends. They let us experiment and be the artists we want to be. GET INSPIRED.GET CREATIVE.GET TO WORK. Please vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You rock Marisa!!!!! I hope starting artists wins!!!!! yay!!!!!!!!!
beautiful idea. The next time I am in New Your I will definitely look you up. My daughter is 14 and she is an artist as well. It is important to feed the gift of people. If you get a chance take a look at my idea
I wish there were a place like this when i was younger. What a creative place.i love it and know that others will have so much fun. Great way to learn a skill.
Publishing class was AMAZING this spring - I am so proud of everyone who participated and the final 'zine we published, InkBlot, will be distributed to the whole community tomorrow night and is available at: www.startingartists.org/Programs.html right now. Thanks everyone who participated!
For the past several months, I have had the wonderful privilege of helping SA during their publishing classes. The creativity and learning environment that they foster in their classes can only be surpassed by the passion and zeal in which they go about achieving their mission to provide under-served youths training in the arts and entrepreneurship. I wish them luck in all their endeavors.
Starting Artists is a great place where kids can interact with art. The place is awesome, it speaks outloud to kids. Other places don't seem that inviting. But, when you walk through the doors of SA, you get inspired. Marisa teaches me about Publishing and Photojournalism. I feel that she should win this prize because it will help to make SA and even more better place and it will help to furnish SA. I feel that she has done a superb job, more than superb, she has done an infinite number of things, not only for me or for the other students but for the community.
Thanks Kat - everyone appreciates all of your hard work at SA too! Especially with leading the mural project. You're amazing!
Every day I am more and more amazed by the leadership of starting artists, and its vision. This is one startup organization that I have total faith will succeed. Also, the kids love it so far!
Went to Starting Artists dot org and saw some of the work you have done with your students. I think you are doing a great job getting your local community involved. Good luck.