Recently the Woodson Art Museum formed a Teen Art Council that quickly was named T.A.C. by the council members. Last year while planning programs for those that are 13-19, I wondered if anyone would attend. I decided to go to the source and ask teens to help with the planning.
To kick off our efforts to increase teen involvement, the Museum hosted a teen reception on July 16. Two area teen bands played, the Museum provided pizza, and comic book artist Tim Seeley signed comic books and gaming mats that Johnny Cee Cards sold at the event. More than 180 teens attended the party.
In mid-August, we invited eight teens for the first meeting of the Teen Art Council. They were asked to attend based on past participation at the Museum. Four teens joined for the first council meeting. Based on experiences gleaned from others working with teens, I was excited that we had 50% participation. The four that started the council were exactly what is needed in members: motivated young people committed to bringing art to their peers.
Now, T.A.C. members help us plan programs for teens at the Woodson Art Museum. The planning process exposes them to a working relationship with museum professionals, cultivates a respect for museums, and creates a sense of ownership here. The teens help us build a stronger visible teen network, and the Museum gives the teens the tools to develop artistic and professional skills.
So far, council members have met twice and we added one new member. In October we expect to work with a council that’s grown to seven members, so far. The teens decided to make the council a team of twelve, with each officer serving one year. T.A.C members will create an application so students can apply to be part of the group in the future.
T.A.C. members have developed their own logo and designed t-shirts they will wear at each teen event.
What’s next? TLC: T-shirts, Laughs, & Coffee – an after-hours party at the Woodson Art Museum. Teens will create graphic t-shirts and make coffee concoctions, 7-9pm, Friday, October 15.
If you’re interested in joining the T.A.C. contact me, Jayna at jhintz@lywam.org or call715-845-7010. Starting in October, T.A.C. will meet the third Sunday of every month from 3:30-5:00 pm at the Woodson Art Museum.
Look for future happenings planned by teen for teens at the Woodson Art Museum. “Like” the Woodson Art Museum on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest news.
