Teen Lab at the Art Institute of Chicago
We interviewed the apprentices about their reflections and thoughts regarding their experiences during Teen Lab.
Below are excerpts from conversations with five apprentices.
JAZZ
What stood out to you about Teen Lab this semester?
How do you think you have grown throughout this semester?
“It enabled me to interact with other artists, to network…I've been more open to talk to people because of this program. Without this program I wouldn't be as talkative and open as I am now. Everyone is warm and supportive. I can be myself for the most part”
"The way I create art has become more consistent. I have gone into my own style. I've become more independent. I try drawing things from my head.”
ABOUT
"When I first got here I was really nervous because I didn't really know much about art. I thought I wasn't really an artistic person. I got here and I realized art is everywhere. Beauty is everywhere: art can be a smile. My creativity can come from anywhere: it can more come from my random thoughts or from what my sister says."
"Before I came here I didn't know who I was. I realized that I didn't have to know who I was and that's okay. There are so many ways to be. I realized I am down to earth. I like being honest. I like being expressive. I like saying what's what. I've become more bolder. I feel more strong in my beliefs. I'm not afraid. Everywhere else there was an expectation for the way I had to be. Everything I'm doing now is great. I'm good now."
"Before I came here I thought there was only one way to see art. But then you all said, no, there are many ways to see art."
ARIANA
What stood out to you about Teen Lab this semester?
How do you think your perspective has changed throughout this semester?
NAKIYA'H
“The South Side Community Arts Center. A Black-owned museum. It was impactful. It felt so formal. But it felt like home. The people there… I just really liked it. The neighborhood of Bronzeville is very important for historical figures, for Black artists. The building itself is over 100 years old. Standing in that place. It felt classic and old. Collaborating with other organizations. Making connections with people for future opportunities. I liked meeting different groups around Chicago that have a similar goal or quest. Teen Lab's goal is about self-expression and art through teenagers. A lot of organizations do the same with teenagers.”
"The key thing that changed is how I view the museum. It really hit me when we watched videos about colonization in museums. Learning the history of this museum and the land it’s on... I want to tell people about it and educate people.”
“Teen Lab allows me to express my inner self. All the different forms of art we tried allow me to express myself in different ways.”
What stuck out to you about Teen Lab this semester?
How do you think your perspective has changed throughout this semester?
Is there anything else you would like to say about Teen Lab?
KAREN
"Everyone else inspired me to do better. I like the ambition that everyone has, the goals. It was also inspiring in a way… It has helped me try to become a better artist. It has tried to help me get out of my bubble. The people, they inspired me. I've seen their art and said, Wow! I need to try harder. Be more open to stuff. Step out of my box. I really like the connections I've made."
"It gave me a whole another perspective. When we went to the galleries... I never really went here before. It made me think more into things. Where did they come from? Where is the story?"
"I want more teens to try to join it. I feel like it was a great experience. The setting and the environment is good. You can see teens your age and the art they are doing and take inspiration from it. And make yourself go out of your comfort zone. I feel like Teen Lab is good for that."
How do you think you have grown throughout this semester?
How do you think your perspective has changed throughout Teen Lab?
Is there anything else you would like to say about Teen Lab?
JOSHUA
"It's been impactful to meet so many people from different cultures in one place. Y'all did a great job of getting so many cultures in one place. There are people from all over Chicago. I never thought I could be comfortable and be silly and not be judged in a group outside my own."
"I've gotten way better at art. I've practiced art way more than before. Building relationships with others. With other cultures."
What stuck out to you about Teen Lab this semester?
How have you grown throughout this semester?