As a rite of passage, many teenagers get part time jobs to earn extra spending money and learn responsibility. While scooping ice cream, mowing lawns, or bagging groceries may not influence their ultimate choice of occupation, some teens get the opportunity to explore careers they’ve always dreamed of.

It’s especially rewarding when young employees are able to contribute to the program development of a highly respected leader in the Florida art community like the accredited Gadsden Arts Center and Museum.  

The organization’s Teen Art Council is comprised of eager young people who have expressed an interest in learning more about the arts. The council came about through funding from Art Bridges, a group that supports innovative audience building projects designed to increase community access to American art.

Gadsden Arts borrowed a painting from Arts Bridges for inclusion in a recent exhibition and, as part of that loan, they were eligible for grant support to connect with a new demographic. 

“We’re really great with elementary school children and adults and seniors tend to come on their own. We have a good relationship with college professors who bring their classes but that teen audience, not so much,” said Anissa Ford, Education Director. “We thought they would be a great audience to reach through this grant.”

The teens are contracted to work at Gadsden Arts, meeting regularly to learn about the inner workings of a museum, the production of exhibitions and program development.

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