HannahTaylor

A pink colored bathroom sits with no one inside, but with cut hair in the sink, pictures of home on the cabinet door and colorful shampoo bottles, one can fill in the blanks. This bathroom belongs to the piece, “In My Mood” by Layla Weedin, a colored pencil and gouache painting that is currently hanging in the Kent Bellow art studio. 

   Kent Bellows Art Mentorship Program is an art program and apprenticeship for high school artists to explore a multitude of artistic mediums such as film photography, linoleum prints, textiles and murals— among many, many other concentrations offered each semester. 

   The fall and spring semesters both end with an art gallery exhibit and even some art sales for the young artists.   Each semester, students are selected based on their portfolio and application, and get to choose a concentration for the semester. This process is meant to expand their artistic skills and the mediums with which they have access to create. 

   Senior Layla Weedin concentrated on 2D mixed media this semester, and created two pieces surrounding girlhood, childhood memories and nostalgia. Her art focused on “playing with colors… associated with memories and… my childhood,” Weedin said. 

   However, the art doesn’t need to follow a specific theme. It’s more about what speaks to the artist and their creativity. 

   This creativity is a lifeline for artists in this program, since techniques are learned through professionals in the field. “It gives you a lot of structure to become a better artist in the future… they really have anything and everything that you would want to do,” Weedin said. 

   To apply to the program, high school students have to submit a portfolio of previous works and then can get offered an interview. From there, they’re put into either classes at the Joslyn, if they’re a freshman or sophomore, or the Kent Bellows art studio itself, if they’re a junior or senior. 

   Although the process may sound daunting, it isn’t as high stakes as it seems. “I’d say it’s always worth it to give it a shot and go into an interview, and everyone there is super nice and everything,” Weedin said. 

   Once in the program, the students are encouraged and guided by the staff to create and explore their concentration. 

   The support has helped many young artists to grow their skills and has given them tools that they could take into the professional world. “We do critiques, how to price your work, artist statements, working with galleries and that sort of stuff,” Weedin said. 

   Not only does this program encourage technical excellence of young artists, but it also encourages the youth of Omaha to interact more with local art. 

   At the end of each semester, their art shows bring in friends, family, and local artists to support, experience and converse over the art. 

   The two days of showcase see the community show up to support these up and coming artists and enriches the creative scene in Omaha, raising the next generation of artists in the heart of the city. 

   The work that Kent Bellows Mentorship Program puts into giving students the resources, skills and confidence to create new and original work is something to be celebrated and championed by all creatives and otherwise in the Omaha area.