Artworks

            Artworks is a unique program, founded 22 years ago, that provides youth paid internships and job experiences, while addressing mental advocacy. From interviewing, to onboarding, to problem solving and creativity, every aspect of Artworks is designed to groom youth’s soft skills and development.

            Artworks is the brainchild of Laura Owens, Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Terry Murphy has served as Artworks’ Executive Director for the past 11 years and she could not be more passionate about Artworks’ mission of “preparing youth for tomorrow by providing transferable career skills through art internships today.”

            “I previously worked in nonprofit and corporate management, and communication positions. When I moved to Milwaukee, I wanted to be connected to the arts and engage with youth. This position is a match made in heaven,” said Murphy.

ArtWorks provides year-long, paid internships for high school students to promote growth and practice in art and job skills. The program also offers lead artist assistant opportunities to students who complete their internships. Artworks is available to all high school youth at no charge.

“It is essentially a workforce development program in the arts. Artworks provides students a chance to express themselves creatively. What’s more, students do not have to be artists to participate,” said Murphy.

Since the pandemic, many people are experiencing trauma and isolation in different ways. Murphy believes that Artworks gives youth opportunities to express their anxiety in a safe environment post-pandemic.

“We started our mental advocacy graphic design program specifically to address this issue. Working with the Wisconsin State Office of Children’s Mental Health, our students took on a client project focused on a digital campaign to address children’s health last May. They developed four different images for the campaign that reached thousands of people throughout the state. The State has invited us to work with them again in September on a suicide prevention campaign,” said Murphy.

Student input in projects like these is important. For example, one of their latest projects was creating stress-relieving coloring book. Each student contributed a design. The coloring books can be purchased on Artworks’ website. During last year’s Black Arts Fest-MKE and Bronzeville Days, they also distributed free drawing sheets and crayons.

“Students also tour different corporations as part of the program. We work with Manpower to help them develop professional skills such as writing resumes, interviewing skills, and other soft skills,” said Murphy.

Artworks is a city-wide program, available to all students. The program currently places ten high school students each year and they are paid $9 an hour, with a potential for a wage increase in six-months based on their performance evaluation.

“Students are treated as employees. They must interview for the position, communicate with the public, engage in problem-solving, and learn to work in small groups. They also receive performance evaluations. We want students who have passion and commitment to this yearlong internship, regardless of their art abilities. We are happy to offer this safe space for youth to discover their gifts and help them through high school. It is rewarding when students return to visit us and share how much this program has helped them pursue their life goals,” said Murphy.

Each year sessions start in January and run through December. The next online application will be available in September. Twenty-five to 30 students are selected and interviewed for each cohort.

We salute this Diamond for grooming and growing our future, while fostering mental advocacy.

For more information, visit Artworks’ website at www.artworksformilwaukee.org or call (414) 708-9996.