Since 1995, CAM’s New Art in the Neighborhood (NAN) program has sought to nourish the diverse and creative minds of our city’s talented young artists. On Saturday afternoons during the twelve-week residency in the Fall and Winter/Spring, up to 15 teens, selected through a competitive application process, receive pre-professional-level art instruction from Resident Teaching Artists, museum staff, and visiting artists.
NAN combines project-based learning with open studio exploration by introducing new art practices while also responding to their processes and curiosities. This fosters an experimental and supportive environment for artists from varying skill levels or backgrounds.
The majority of the projects are developed and guided by the Resident Teaching Artist, but NAN artists also have open studio time, visiting artist workshops and critique sessions to develop their personal portfolios. This free and nationally-acclaimed program offers exposure to concepts and materials used in contemporary art practices.
Application
Applications are currently closed for the Spring 2023 season. Check back this summer—applications for the Fall/Winter 2023 season will open in July.
Requirements
- Students in grades 9–12 are eligible to apply
- Participants must live in the greater St. Louis area
- Selected students are expected to attend all sessions (see schedule below)
Spring/Summer 2023 Schedule
NAN meets for twelve weeks on Saturdays, noon–4:00 pm, Jan 21–Apr 15 (No class on Mar 25) onsite at CAM. Offsite field trips may also be included as part of the program.
College Credit
Artists who participate in a full year of the program are eligible to apply for college credit at Webster University and/or the Kansas City Art Institute. Interested students must provide a portfolio of work completed during the academic year of NAN and complete a form for the university to consider.
2022-23 Resident Teaching Artist
