 The 2024 Quad City Arts Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program is underway, providing over thirty area youth ages 15-21 with a five-week paid summer apprenticeship. Since 2000, Metro Arts apprentices have been creating art that positively impacts our community, with both mural and film projects this year. This year’s program started on June 10 and will be completed on July 11, ending with a final showcase held at the Rock Island Public Library Watts-Midtown Branch Community Room from 6:00-7:00PM on Thursday, July 11th. The evening will include screenings of the films, as well as presentations from the mural teams. This event is free and open to all.
Both Davenport and Rock Island will be getting new murals. In Rock Island, the group will be creating a mural on the east side of Quality Control Restoration, the former Goodyear Building, centering on themes of agricultural labor and the armed services, while in Davenport, the south side of the Putnam Museum’s rotunda will be getting a mural focused on the link between pollinators and the world at large. The apprentices develop and present multiple designs to their clients, and then take client feedback to create these stunning, large-scale pieces. Kelly Lao, the Putnam’s Vice President of Museum Experiences and Interim CEO, says, “The Metro Arts program is such a wonderful opportunity both for the students and for [the] area businesses, non-profits, and community spaces they adorn with their art. We are very excited to be the next site for a mural showcasing the incredible talent of local artists and students.” Both mural groups are helmed by local artist Sarah Robb. Raised in Davenport, IA, Robb received her BFA in Illustration with a minor in Graphic Design from Laguna College of Art & Design in Laguna Beach, CA. Since returning to the QCA in 2006, she has been the Lead Artist for Mural Design with the QC Arts Metro Arts Summer Youth Program. Her love for large scale public art murals and working with the community has led to commissioned projects with The City of Moline, Rock Island, and Davenport, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Child Abuse Council, Augustana College, Dress for Success, Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley, Schuetzen Park with German Heritage, and many more.  The Film program, in conjunction with Augustana College, has begun shooting two short films, mainly on the college’s campus. Led by Stacy Barton, Associate Professor and Film Program Director at Augustana College, the group will learn the filmmaking process from writing to post-production, getting hands-on experience in all aspects of filmmaking. In her role as associate professor and film program director at Augustana College, Barton's spent the last two years designing new facilities and crafting a film production degree that's just now seeing its first students win awards at film festivals. Past experiences with youth filmmaking include mentoring at Street Level Youth Media in Chicago, Strive Media Institute in Milwaukee, and running filmmaking summer camps at John Wood Community College and the University of Colorado Denver. These projects were made possible through support from Augustana College, City of Rock Island, Davenport Noon Optimists, Modern Woodmen of America, the Putnam Museum and Science Center, Quality Control Restoration, Iowa Arts Council, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
About the Metro Arts ProgramSince the summer of 2000, Metro Arts has provided area youth 15-21 years old with paid summer apprenticeships in various arts disciplines. For five weeks, area youth work together in groups to complete projects that enhance the community through the arts. Participants learn the artistic techniques and applications of their genre while developing personally and professionally. This program allows young adults to build career and artistic skills, as they work under the supervision and mentorship of professional artists. Their mentors are accomplished, local artists who are passionate about teaching and encouraging creativity. If you would like to interview the Lead Artists or the Apprentices please contact Ben Gougeon ([email protected] or 309.793.1213x100) for scheduling.  The arts make a differenceSummer programs like the Metro Arts Apprenticeship Program helps improve academic performance, not just through creativity, but it improves learning in areas like math and science as well as the literary field. Art education fosters collaboration, group learning, and most importantly creative problem-solving. For five weeks, area youth work together in groups to complete art projects under the supervision and mentorship of professional artists. Participants learn their particular genre's artistic techniques and applications while developing personally and professionally. Murals and street paintings throughout the Quad Cities are the lasting legacy of programs past.
 The 2022 Quad City Arts Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program is underway and providing over forty area youth ages 15-21 with a five-week paid summer apprenticeship. These apprentices are creating art that positively impact our community including projects in mural painting, graphic design, film, and poetry. These projects were made possible through support from Black Hawk College, Downtown Davenport Partnership, Modern Woodman of America, and Chris and Mary Rayburn. Two new murals are coming to Davenport at the intersection of 4th and Pershing lead by lead artists Sarah Robb and Heidi Sallows. These murals were designed by the apprentices who wanted to highlight the diversity in our communities. One mural depicts an indigenous person from the Sac and Fox tribe, and the other showcases cultures through the fabrics and patterns they wear. In Rock Island, Modern Woodmen of America will have a new mural outside of their Print Shop and Mail Distribution Office that highlights historical aspects of their history, as well as its relationship to Rock Island and the river.
The Graphic Design program is a partnership with Black Hawk College and meets at the college with lead artist and BHC faculty member, Annie Oldenburg. This program teaches elements of graphic design and will culminate with a vinyl window art project on a building in Downtown Rock Island, that location will be announced later.
Film is lead by Jonathan Burnett an independent filmmaker and educator. Burnett is also the Creator, Director, and Lead Instructor of the Urban Exposure Independent Film Program through Azubuike African American Council for the Arts. This program teaches students the basics of filmmaking culminating with the creation of a short film the apprentices will have written, filmed, and edited.
Poetry is lead by emcee, poet, author, and educator, Aubrey “Aubs.” Barnes. Barnes most recently published book titled “It is Good, It is Written.” is available now. Apprentices are learning how to write poetry and the many mechanisms used to do so, as well as poetry’s intersection with music and culture. Apprentices periodically present their work throughout the program at community sites including coffee shops and libraries.
This year’s program started on June 6 and will be completed on July 8. The program will end with a final showcase held in Arts Alley in Rock Island at 6 PM on July 8th. Attendees will hear from apprentices and lead artists about their projects, be the first to see the short film, and hear poetry. This event is open to all.  About the Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program Since the summer of 2000, Metro Arts has provided area youth 15-21 years old with paid summer apprenticeships in various arts disciplines. For five weeks, area youth work together in groups to complete projects that enhance the community through the arts. Participants learn the artistic techniques and applications of their genre while developing personally and professionally. This program allows young adults to build career and artistic skills, as they work under the supervision and mentorship of professional artists. Their mentors are accomplished, local artists who are passionate about teaching and encouraging creativity. About Quad City Arts Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees, Quad City Arts Partners, and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. If you would like to interview the Lead Artists or the Apprentices please contact Kevin Maynard ([email protected] or 309.793.1213x101) and he can provide you a work schedule.  Just as last year was unusual for our Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship program, this summer also is unique. Far fewer students – ages 15 to 21 – are participating, in fewer projects, and they are wearing face coverings and are social distancing, as is the current practice. That does not mean that the two outdoor murals and improvisational comedy being created over the past five weeks are any less meaningful, important or impressive. “Every Metro Arts site has a collection of masks available, if the student either doesn’t have one or has forgotten theirs that day, so we can make sure we’re following the social-distancing guidelines and keeping everybody safe,” Quad City Arts executive director Kevin Maynard said, noting the lead artists also wear masks. “I don’t think that our social distancing guidelines have hindered the process or progress on any of these projects,” he said. “It has limited the number of apprentices. Most sites typically have 10 apprentices and a lead artist, but with the (Illinois) guidelines in phase 3 being no groups larger than 10, we did have to cut an apprentice from each project.” Compared to 2019, when there were about 90 apprentices doing projects throughout the Quad-Cities in the spring, summer and fall, this year about 30 area youth are being provided with five-week paid summer apprenticeships. These apprentices create projects that positively impact our community: a mural in Moline, improv comedy, and a mural in Rock Island. These projects were made possible through support from the City of Rock Island, Friendship Manor, Modern Woodmen of America, The Moline Foundation, and Renew Moline. Since summer 2000, Metro Arts has provided youth ages 15-21 with paid summer apprenticeships in various arts disciplines. They work together in groups to complete projects that enhance the community through the arts. Participants learn artistic techniques and applications of their genre while developing personally and professionally. This program allows young adults to develop new career and artistic skills, build self-confidence and creates a sense of accomplishment as they work under the supervision and mentorship of professional artists. Their mentors are accomplished, local artists who are passionate about teaching and encouraging creativity. “This year, we obviously knew it would be a lot smaller – there were no spring projects with the pandemic going on,” said lead artist Sarah Robb of Davenport, who’s heading both new murals, at 1516 6th Ave., Moline, and on three sides of the Friendship Manor maintenance building, at Rock Island’s 11th Street and 21st Avenue. In her 14th summer leading Metro Arts, she’s been working with eight young artists daily in Moline in the morning for four hours and nine in Rock Island in the afternoon. If painting close together, the students are required to wear masks or face shields, and unlike previous years, do not share paint or buckets with water to rinse brushes. Masks are provided in case students forget to bring one, as well as hand sanitizer, water and sunscreen. The mural in Moline is in the courtyard on 6th Avenue next to La Primavera, on the wall of Bajas Classy Resale, across the street from the mural Robb led in 2018 for the Child Abuse Council (which was supported in part by Quad City Arts’ Arts Dollars, but wasn’t a Metro Arts project). The new mural (called “It’s a New Day”) is the first Metro Arts project in the city of Moline, supported by Renew Moline and The Moline Foundation. Specifically, The Tom and Karen Getz Memorial Fund was established at The Moline Foundation to support and promote civic pride, youth development and the arts. Tom and Karen served and led innumerable community organizations with energy, commitment, and heart.  “This collaborative mural project exemplifies and honors the legacy of these two truly remarkable community leaders,” said Paul Plagenz, president/CEO, Moline Foundation. “It has a positive message during this time – hopeful, a lot of color,” Robb said. The students at both locations have been “troupers” and seamlessly adjusted to the circumstances. “Once they’re working, they’re in their own world,” she said. “We just look different because we have masks on. They all get it, have been cooperative and thankful they still have the opportunity.” “The best part is the community of other artists, and we get to know their style and connect it to make one piece,” said senior Moline apprentice Rebecca Quick, a 21-year-old Moline High alum. “We’re sweating like crazy, but keeping our distance and we’re making it work.” “There have been a lot of changes due to the virus, but obviously things aren’t that different,” said Kamryn Linskey, a 2020 Sherrard High grad who last year did Metro Arts at the MLK Center in Rock Island. “It’s definitely the same amount of fun as last year. Working with Sarah, it’s been awesome.” Since Friendship Manor is a larger project, which involved nearby Olivet Baptist Church, Robb will take a break after this week, and start another five weeks in late July with a new group of 11 or 12 apprentices to finish the building by the time school starts. “That was by design, because it is such a large project, we split it up into essentially groups and two projects,” Maynard said, noting stipends for the apprentices are $500 each; $750 for the senior apprentice, and $2,000 for lead artists. “Most of the cost for the mural goes into the labor and materials. We do have a small administration fee, which is around 9 percent of the total cost. We typically ask building owners to come up with some of those funds,” he said, noting they typically pay at least $4,000 and an average mural costs around $10,000, based on size and number of apprentices.  The three-student improv comedy group meets daily at Schwiebert Park in Rock Island and is led by Erin Mahr, a Rocky grad who did improv with Metro Arts in 2002. “So it’s fun to be on the other side now,” she said. “At the time, I didn’t think I’d ever teach it. I had so much fun learning improv games at the time, and I thought it was a great opportunity to earn money while learning a fun skill like improv. I enjoyed ComedySportz, learning the different games and skills there.” Mahr was in ComedySportz from 2010 until last year, when it disbanded, and is a performer with G.I.T. Improv. This year, with students masked, “It’s been an interesting year,” she said. Mahr was co-lead artist last year with Patrick Adamson, at Rock Island’s former Establishment Theatre, now owned by the Center for Living Arts. They’re outside this year, partly to be safer health-wise. “In improv, you have to work more with body language, being able to hear and understand each other,” Mahr said. “The apprentices have done a wonderful job of adapting and making the most of their experience, given the situation.” Improv comedy translates to everyday life skills, she said. “It’s great for public speaking; it’s a great confidence builder, even just social skills.” Last week, they did a brief improv show July 2 for customers at Theo’s in downtown Rock Island. “What I enjoy most about the improv program is the fact that I get to do something I love every day, and I also get to make new friends that otherwise wouldn’t have existed,” said Teddi White, 18, a new Bettendorf High grad in her second year of Metro Arts. “It’s a little difficult working with masks for a few reasons. It gets very hot very quickly, it’s harder to enunciate, and it’s harder to tell other’s facial expressions.” “I love improv because it’s really flexible and free,” she said, noting she first did improv about eight years ago in a class at Davenport Junior Theatre and has been to multiple ComedySportz shows. Covid also forced changes in how Metro Arts will present their annual showcase – virtually this year, at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9 (on Facebook and the Quad City Arts YouTube channel). “In a typical year, we’d have every apprentice in the same room, on stage, with their friends and family, talking about the projects they’ve completed and showing some pictures,” Maynard said. “That’s not an option this year, so we’re bringing 3-4 people from each group to talk about their project. We would bring on everybody, but we are limited in how many we can have in the program we use, at one time.” The showcase will display photos of the groups and their work, including recorded clips of the improv group that will be shared as well. It’ll be part of Quad City Arts’ newest video series, “7 with Kevin Live.” For the showcase, the improv students will offer some puns (each from home), and not scene work. “It’s difficult to do that on multiple different screens at the same time,” Mahr said. Last year, there were nine apprentices doing improv. This year, it’s smaller because it was harder to promote with school being out the last quarter. “There was a possibility we were going to have to teach online, and improv is very interactive and sometimes it works online, and others it’s more difficult to do online,” she said. There is an additional Metro Arts project planned this fall in downtown Davenport.
🎥 Tune in on July 9th at 7 pm for 7 with Kevin LIVE! interview, highlighting this summer's Metro Arts Groups. You can watch the live stream through Facebook Live or You Tube. For more information about how to be a part of Metro Arts, view our website.
|
Archives
July 2024
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
Let's Get Social
Be first to know about our digital programming, insider news, our latest projects, and much more!
Quad City Arts does not trade, share, or sell information that you provide to us.
Quad City Arts does not trade, share, or sell information that you provide to us.
|
|
Rock Island Gallery
|
HOME
|
SUPPORTMake a tax-deductible donation to Quad City Arts and support art in your community!
Looking for something?VIDEO FOOTAGE PROVIDED BY DPHILMS AND MICKLE COMMUNICATIONS
© 2024 Quad City Arts is a 501(c)(3). Privacy Statement |