The WasteShed’s Youth artist-in-residence Program wraps up

Hello! My name is Vahnaree Weis, and I am the Digital Marketing and Creative Reuse Assistant Intern at The WasteShed Chicago. We recently launched a new program that has been designed to cultivate artistic talent among young and emerging artists. This program provides a supportive environment where teen participants can explore their creativity, hone their craft, and develop skills for a successful career in the arts and related industries.

I have been working alongside the residents, Sal and Shi-Shi, discovering new mediums, processes and techniques. It’s been an incredible experience that has yielded some great works!

First, a little bit more about the program:

Our residency program included structured studio hours where interns and residents can developed their art practices across various media, from painting to digital art. Students also engaged in group projects and community art programs in the WasteShed classroom, fostering collaboration and gaining hands-on experience in public and community-based art. During Crit Week, participants engaged in constructive critiques, offering feedback on each other's work and techniques. Additionally, they received guidance in developing professional portfolios, both digital and analog, to showcase their work. At the end of their residencies (Aug. 2024) we will be showcasing their work in our Glass Case Gallery at our Chicago location! 

Shi-Shi, one of our youth residents, focused on the theme of reusing art supplies in their project. They created a story that highlights the importance of providing art materials to those in need, emphasizing how art enriches our world. The inspiration stemmed from a writing class where the class learned to adapt to the reader's needs, leading to the creation of a gender-neutral, alien character named Jax. The character serves as a mirror for the reader, emphasizing the freedom and adaptability inherent in art. 

“The story I came up with relates to reusing/underconsumption of art supplies because it encourages people to take art into consideration. With more artists, it would give a reason as to why we need to provide and distribute art materials to schools and people in need. This is because people can create beautiful works of art. Art is often seen as a pinnacle to how our world works. Many people have found a passion for art, and we should look back on how far we came with all of these amazing artists.”

Sal, another resident, explored the connections within their community and how these relationships give life meaning. They documented interactions with people, places, and animals, capturing the beauty and complexity of being part of a community through personal experiences. Through their work, Sal sought to represent the importance of these connections and how they contribute to a deeper sense of belonging and purpose. “I tried to represent the intricacies and beauty of being a part of a community through my own experiences.”

The WasteShed’s Youth Artist Residency Program was sponsored by the Illinois Art Council’s Summer Youth Employment in the Arts program.

If you’d like to support The WasteShed’s artist residency and other programs, please consider a donation to our 10 Year Anniversary Fundraiser: https://www.thewasteshed.com/blog-1/2024/8/15/the-wasteshed-10th-anniversary