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Young Artists at Work

Inspiring a Vibrant Future

Background

For almost 30 years, our programs have inspired thousands of Toledo youth to explore their individuality while working as a team to change their city for the better and to develop more fully into thoughtful and responsible citizens. Our YAAW alumni can be found all over Toledo and the world making a difference.

YAAW

Since 1994, Young Artists at Work (YAAW) has offered paid summer apprenticeships to area teens to learn creative skills and job skills alike and to connect to community through the creation of public art and salable works. Each year more than 40 teens from diverse neighborhoods and communities in and around Toledo come together to find a completely unique summer employment opportunity and access to an experience designed to impact for a lifetime.

2023 Schedule

The 2023 Young Artists at Work program runs from June 26th to August 4th. Apprentice and Visual Arts Staff applications are closed for the 2023 season.

Inspiring young artists ensures a greater commitment to creativity and community that has a lifelong impact.

Current Projects

United Way Mural

United Way and SSOE partnered to bring to life a new mural on their building at 1001 Madison Avenue in Toledo with the help of the 2022 YAAW apprentices.

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Market Street Mural

During the 2022 YAAW Season, muralist Leah Tumerman worked with YAAW staff and apprentices to create a mural on Market Street.

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Peace & Healing Commons

YAAW apprentices brought Peace and Healing to the Toledo Spain Plaza off Collingwood with a series of installed murals.

YAAW Alumni

After 25 years of YAAW, there are so many stories to capture. Stay in touch with the Arts Commission to stay in the know about events and opportunities.

Update

The Story of YAAW

Led by Young Artists at Work alums Reagan Shull and Melissa Mintz, one team from the 2021 cohort tells the story of the history of YAAW through film. Apprentices interviewed former apprentices and staff of Young Artists at Work to tell the story of the over 20 years of the YAAW program.

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2021 Season Recap

Our 2021 edition of the Young Artists at Work program was a hybrid of virtual and in-person learning. This short video highlights the five major projects that the teams completed.

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Thank you to all of our generous sponsors of the YAAW program.