Young Artists at Work

Inspiring a Vibrant Future

Background

For 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.

Thank you to the University of Toledo Department of Art. In addition to hosting the studio space for the youth apprentices, they also provide two $2,500 scholarships to YAAW alumni that are majoring in art at the University of Toledo. 

2025 Schedule

Applications for the YAAW program are due on March 14, 2025. The 2025 Young Artists at Work program runs from June 23rd through August 1st.

Join us in celebrating the 30th year of YAAW!

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