This post is the second in our Neighborhood Studios blog series to share the journeys of seven people who have participated in Neighborhood Studios, the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s summer teen apprentice program. Each one of their stories is a different perspective on the way this program can shape you and prepare you for your future career, college, and a life that’s connected to the arts. Each post will highlight a specific skill they gained or growth they experienced as an apprentice, as a teacher, or as a staff member.
Today we’ll meet Molly McGuire, a former Neighborhood Studios apprentice who has returned to the program as a studio assistant at the Amistad Center for Art & Culture’s SNAP! Photography studio. Molly also serves as an intern for the Center as she completes her undergraduate degree in studio art with a concentration in ceramics.
Guest Blogger: Molly McGuire, Neighborhood Studios Apprentice (2010) Neighborhood Studios Intern (2014-2015)
Neighborhood Studios taught me much more than photography alone. I learned more about the medium I was passionate about and I also gained insight into what possibilities were open to me within a creative field. Not only do apprentices get to work in incredible spaces around Hartford, like the Wadsworth Atheneum for example, but they have opportunities to meet and learn about the people who work there. My time as an apprentice led me to be more confident in my networking abilities. There are a lot of chances to meet staff and other apprentices, as well as workshops that demonstrate skills necessary for networking.
For the past four years I have come back as the assistant for the photography studio, and was hired by The Amistad Center for Art & Culture, who runs the SNAP! Photography program and have now worked there for about 3 years. Through meeting employees of the museum, other studios, and creating a photography show, I learned more than just technical skills. I have learned skills that have given me the tools to not be afraid to ask questions, shy away from an opportunity, and to connect and build bonds with the people in my community. These have been incredibly important skills, especially coming to the end of my undergraduate career, and starting the next chapter!
Experience Neighborhood Studios for Yourself!
Visit the Greater Hartford Arts Council website for more information about how you can apply to become a Neighborhood Studios apprentice in 2016! www.letsgoarts.org/NeighborhoodStudios
Apprentices must be between the ages of 14-18 and reside in the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s 34-town service area. Additional eligibility requirements are listed in the Apprentice Guidelines. Neighborhood Studios applications are due by April 29, 2016. Apprentices will be selected and notified by the end of May.
Part 2: Learn how Molly gained Independence through Neighborhood Studios.
Part 5: Learn why Sten’s most important Neighborhood Studios experience was all about the Truth.
About Neighborhood Studios:
Neighborhood Studios, the Greater Hartford Arts Council’s award-winning, nationally recognized summer arts apprenticeship program, will enter its 18th season when it kicks off in June 2016. The six-week summer program provides area teenagers between ages 14 – 18 with an immersive, hands-on education in the arts, as well as career-skills training
The experience of Neighborhood Studios aligns with the Common Core’s description of students who are college and career ready in Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening, & Language. Additionally, all Neighborhood Studios align their work with the Common Core State Standards as well as the National Core Arts Standards.
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