Celebrating 25 Years Of The Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program

Metro Arts is Underway—Celebrating 25 Years of Youth Creativity in Action!
This summer marks a major milestone: 25 years of the Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, one of Quad City Arts’ most impactful and beloved initiatives. Since its start in 2000, Metro Arts has empowered young creatives across the region with a powerful message: art is work, and young artists are essential to the vitality and creative backbone of our communities.

Open to youth ages 15 to 21, Metro Arts is a paid, five-week summer apprenticeship where participants work side-by-side with professional artists on real, public-facing projects. From murals and mosaics to poetry, live performances, and digital storytelling, apprentices shape the creative landscape of the Quad Cities while gaining invaluable professional experience.

This year’s session features four bold projects that speak to the heart of community:

• Good Neighbor Project Mural (416 N Harrison St, Davenport, IA)
  Led by Sarah Robb, this mural near the Davenport Police Department (SW corner of 5th & Harrison) celebrates connection, trust, and neighborhood pride.
  Funded by Downtown Davenport Partnership, Quad City Bank & Trust, and the Davenport Noon Optimists.
  
  
• Lonnie Ray’s Academy Mural (815 9th street , Rock Island, IL)
  Also led by Sarah Robb, this mural honors the history and future of Rock Island’s West End through the lens of youth empowerment.
  Funded by the City of Rock Island and the Rock Island Arts & Beautification Commission.
  
  
• Buckrop Chiropractic Mural (331 4th St W, Milan, IL)
  Led by Heidi Sallows, this vibrant, nature-inspired mural with patriotic themes is transforming downtown Milan.
  Funded by the Quad Cities Community Foundation – Grant W. Brissman and Virginia M. Brissman Foundation.
  
  
• Documentary Filmmaking Project
  Led by Stacy Barton of Augustana College, this team is capturing the 25-year legacy of Metro Arts through film—highlighting voices from past and present.
  
  

“These apprentices aren’t just painting walls—they’re building the creative backbone of the Quad Cities,” says Ben Gougeon, Director of Community Engagement at Quad City Arts. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone year—having completed roughly 113 community-based projects—and to work alongside amazing community partners who make it all possible.”

The program will be celebrating with a special Metro Arts 25th Anniversary Showcase on Tuesday, July 15 at the Figge Art Museum. Sponsored by MetroNet, the evening will feature finished projects, alumni reflections, and a celebration of the mentorship, creativity, and youth voice that have defined Metro Arts for a quarter century. 
​

Metro Arts Alumni
We’d love to hear your stories. If you’ve participated in Metro Arts over the years, send photos or reflections to [email protected] to be featured in the upcoming showcase and documentary.
To learn more about the program or apply for future sessions, visit: quadcityarts.com/metroarts
​
Special Thanks to our 2025 Program Supporters:
MetroNet, Modern Woodmen of America, the Morency Family Foundation, Quality Control Restoration, and many other generous sponsors who help make this work possible.
​​