What Catherine and I worked on Monday 11/1/10

Teen Lab Program

Goals and Objectives of the Program

Teens will be able to:

-Experience what it is like to be a commissioned artist

-Work collectively in a group

-Create a final project for a portfolio

-Learn different types and styles to create animation

-Learn about art career opportunities and education

-Reflect on their artwork with each other

-Communicate with practicing artists

How Teen is a Commissioned Artist:

1.    Teens are responsible to show up to Teen Lab and on time in order to get paid for the full time.  Make-up work is provided outside of the classroom (paid)

2.    Planning project in groups.  Each teen has a role within their group (teamwork)

3.    Planning timeframe objectives according to project’s due date.  Calendars assist teens to mark their own group progress (deadline)

4.    A journal/sketchbook enables teens to keep notes and sketches in order to reflect on the process (reflection)

5.    Teens constructively critique each others’ artwork (critique)

6.    At the end of the project, students will present their final product (presentation)

Format of Teen Lab Classes

Part 1

            Warm-up (4-4:15 pm):

           

Teen Lab starts with a fifteen-minute warm-up for teens to journal in their sketchbooks.  For example, teens have reflected upon their progress in the current project.  Also, teens have sketched their ideas as to what their avatar would look like.  Questions of art in general are also emphasized as a journaling topic. The journaling is a good method for the teens to brainstorm their ideas into one consistent place.

Part 2

            Activities (4:15-6:30 pm): 

Depending on the journaling warm up, Matt and Annie the Teen Lab instructors, review the teens’ responses from the journaling.  Otherwise Matt and Annie will begin open discussion on the day’s agenda.  They will explain to the teens the objectives of the project and examples.   A break occurs usually half way through their planned activities.  Examples that occur during the activities are:

           

-Field Trips

            -Museum/gallery talks from museum staff

            -Talks with artists

-Presentations from Matt and Annie

            -Student presentations

            -Group work

Part 3

            Clean up and Wrap Up (6:30-7:00 pm): 

Teens are responsible for cleaning the studio space at the end of the class.  There are three teens that are leaders in the cleaning process.  This changes every class.  After that, Matt and Annie lead the teens in an open discussion on what they accomplished for the day.  Also, Matt and Annie offer any constructive comments towards improvement in case there is a common issue amongst all groups.  Lastly, Matt and Annie review what the next class’s objectives and goals will be for the groups to accomplish.

Interview/Selection Process 

Teens apply through After School Matters.  After School Matters recruits through different schools, state wide government agencies and their teachers.   After they apply the teens go through the interview process in order to be selected for the program.  During the interview students bring their portfolio, if they have one.

Sample questions the teens are asked by the Teen Lab instructors, Matt and Annie:

1.     How do you work in a group?

2.     How well do you take direction?

3.     Do you have a skill in a certain art area?  And are you willing to teach others in this skill area?

Logistics are also factored into the selection process.  (Whether or not they can get to the museum)