LEAP Middle School Initiative

LEAP is an after school program for middle school-aged artists who are interested in an in-depth exploration of contemporary art practices and mediums. We refer to participants as “artists” (rather than “students”) to reinforce the idea that the learning space is one of a studio, rather than a classroom. The Teen and Adult Programs Manager and a Resident Teaching Artist provide a project-based curriculum that focuses on various contemporary practices and mediums each semester.

This ten-week-long after school program allows students to work closely with professional St. Louis-based artists and educators in an atmosphere of focused attention and mentorship. Fifteen students from the greater St. Louis area are selected to focus on one particular artistic practice or medium each semester.

Application

Applications for the Fall/Winter 2023 season have closed/

Applications for the Spring/Summer 2024 season will open in November.

Requirements

Students in grades 6–8 are eligible to apply
The program is held onsite with potential field trips
Transportation support is available where needed
Participants must live in the greater St. Louis area
Selected students are expected to attend all sessions (see schedule below)

Schedule

LEAP meets for ten weeks in the fall on Thursday afternoons at CAM and offsite locations that are to be determined.

Fall/Winter 2023: Thursdays, 4:30–6:00 pm, Sep 14–Nov 16

Spring/Summer 2024: Thursdays, 4:30–6:00 pm, Jan 18–Mar 28

Resident Teaching Artist

Fall: Olivia Obi

Spring: Jeremy Rabus

Past
Jen Everett
Jenna Bauer
Stan Chisholm
Sage Dawson
Cameron Fuller
Meghan Grubb
Lillian Gardner
Emily Hemeyer
Sophie Lipman
Sukanya Mani
Jorge Rios Morales
Sarah Paulsen
Peter Pranschke
Alexis Rivierre
Janie Stamm
Simiya Sudduth
Robin VerHage-Abrams
WORK/PLAY