Teen Lab at the Art Institute of Chicago
Fatimah Asghar
Lead Instructor
I’ve been lucky enough to be the Instructor for Teen Lab for the last two years, creating curriculum and designing the last 4 semesters. Teen Lab is such a wonderful place to be: we work as a community to create a safe space where teens can empower themselves through art. We have nuanced conversations about art, debating what is considered art and why, as well as conversations about issues such as race, gender, sexuality, and class, and how those aspects of our identities relate to ourselves and our art work. The teens who participate in Teen Lab are some of the most talented and impressive teens that I have ever worked with; they always challenge themselves to go outside of the mediums that are typically comfortable to them, they push themselves to be the best artists that they can be, and they interrogate the world around them with sophistication beyond their years. Being involved in Teen Lab for the last two years has been an amazing and invaluable experience for me, and I am proud of all the work that we have accomplished and the ways that we have all grown.
Lauren Jackson
Manager
As the manager of Teen Lab I think about the semester as a full scope of experiences that we can bring in to provide more resources, access, and time for creativity to our youth. They already bring such a wealth of knowledge, insight, and fantastic and varied artistic practices. The questions I constantly ask myself is: "what can we do to make them feel empowered? And how do we promote the wonderful work they are doing to the museum?"
Each semester allows us to explore those questions and many more together, learning about each other and building a vibrant community. It is my honor to help them lead the way.
Melissa Romeo
Assistant
Though I've worked as the Teen Lab Assistant for two years, I have yet to shake the initial awe of collaborating with such incredible and talented youth. I believe the creativity, curiosity and intellect that the teens bring to the program is not only inspiring, but fosters an important space for self-empowerment, reflection and friendship. The community formed in Teen Lab is one-of-a-kind, and I am so honored be part of the team.
Jiyoon Lee
Intern
As the Spring, 2016 Teen Programs Intern, I was lucky to work with a group of powerful teens in their creative practice. All the amazing works that these teens created through out the program has been inspiring. I am grateful for this opportunity and I hope this website creates a greater opportunity for them to share all the wonderful work that they have curated throughout the semester.