Deadline extended for Albany Museum of Art Teen Art Board applications

ALBANY ─ High school students in the Albany area can apply through July 17, for the 2024-25 AMA Teen Art Board, a student leadership program at the Albany Museum of Art.

“High school students from Dougherty County and surrounding counties are eligible to apply,” AMA Director of Education and Public Programming Annie Vanoteghem said. “The students selected to be on the board for the 2024-25 school year will be passionate about reaching the community and their fellow teens through art. They will be committed to attending our in-person meetings each month at the AMA, and helping with programs and events at the museum.”

Vanoteghem said the deadline was extended from the original July 1 date to ensure that teens traveling or working summer jobs will have ample time to apply. A link to the online application may be found on the AMA website at https://www.albanymuseum.com/ama_programs/ama-teen-art-board/.

The highlight of the year will be a community project. The 2023-24 Teen Art Board had the most visible yet — a huge mural covering the Cookie Shop’s north wall at 115 N. Jackson St. in downtown Albany. It was created from elementary school drawings, and painted by the mural designer, New York artist Ramiro Davaro-Comas, and TAB members and volunteers.

“Each Teen Art Board decides what its project will be, creates plans to make it happen, and works to raise any needed funding,” Vanoteghem said. “Throughout the conception-to-realization process, they not only do something positive for the community, but they learn skills that will be valuable to them throughout their lives. They learn how to interact with others, meet deadlines, assess needs and promote their work. They gain real-life experience that helps them develop leadership skills.”

Once the application period closes, an orientation meeting to gauge interest will be conducted at 5 p.m. on Aug. 6, at the AMA. The 2024-25 TAB will have its first official meeting at 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 3.

Each member gains a behind-the-scenes understanding of museum operations. Through workshops, lectures and discussions with staff and artists, this leadership development program enhances TAB members’ foundational knowledge of art history, museum work, creative careers, and the inner workings of a board-led nonprofit organization.

Teen Art Board members develop creative programming and coordinate community events. They plan, support, and promote teen initiatives at the AMA and within the community. They attend and participate in lectures, group discussions, and artist workshops and serve as volunteers assisting with museum classes, public events and community programs. Members can gain community service hours by volunteering and engaging with events and programs.

In previous years, the Teen Art Board has successfully conducted projects that provided art supply kits to children who were staying at Liberty House in Albany, a series of free Student Art Studio Saturdays for high school students, the installation of the region’s first Art-o-Mat at the AMA, and Night at the Museum: Teen Spotlight Night, an auction and showcase for artwork of high school and college students.

The Albany Museum of Art is located at 311 Meadowlark Drive, adjacent to Albany State University’s West Campus just off Gillionville Road. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is open to the public 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free.

Special Photo: Albany Museum of Art)