New Art in the Neighborhood 2023-24 cohort with artist Paul Chan. Photo: CAM staff.
New Art in the Neighborhood 2023-24 cohort with artist Paul Chan. Photo: CAM staff.

New Art in the Neighborhood

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, 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 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 Artists, 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

Fall/winter 2026 applications are open through Sunday, August 23.

Email Brandon Barr with any questions: bbarr@camstl.org

Apply now

Requirements

  • Students in grades 9–12 / aged 14-18 years old are eligible to apply
  • The program is held onsite with potential field trips
  • Students may apply for public transportation reimbursement for travel to and from the museum
  • Participants must live in the greater St. Louis area
  • Selected students are expected to attend all sessions (see schedule below)

Fall/Winter 2026 Schedule

Our fall/winter programming will be taught by Resident Teaching Artist Grant Benoit, whose projects span fiber-based mediums such as dyes/natural dyes, screen printing, and papermaking.

NAN will meet for twelve weeks on Saturday afternoons from 11:00 am–3:00 pm on the following dates:

Sept 19–Dec 12  (no class Nov 28)

Classes take place at CAM and offsite locations that are to be determined.

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 be enrolled in the university and be able to provide a portfolio of work completed during the academic year of NAN and complete a form for the university to consider.