Teen Programs

Youth Board of Artists (YBA) is a program where teens are hired and paid to develop group projects, connect teens to the HPAC community, and represent the Art Center at public events.

This year, YBA participants will work to connect young people to HPAC’s art exhibitions, programming, and artist residencies by planning events of their choice. This group will meet weekly on Thursdays from 4:30-6:30pm. Accepted applicants are paid a stipend for their work and participation. This program is by application only.

Thursdays starting April 13th – June 8th, 2023 4:30- 6:30p,

Learn how to throw, hand build, glaze and SELL your ceramics artwork at Hyde Park Art Center art sales! This course is open to ceramicists of all levels, and provides up to five bags of clay for in class use. Masks are recommended when in the ceramics studio. Join the crew today! Rolling admission, first 15 applicants are accepted.

Fridays starting April 14th -June 9th, 2023 4:30- 6:30p.

This program will educate students in music production, recording, and music business. Hosted by ISOPRO media, You’ll learn skills to make, produce, and promote your own music! Midi controllers are provided, along with training on the free web-based DAW BeatLabs, and Ableton. An application review is required to join. First 8 applicants accepted will be enrolled.

Fridays starting April 14th – June 9th, 2023 4:30- 6:30p.

Do you love making art on your own? Do you want to enhance your drawing skills and learn about street art styles?  Then this program is for you! This edition of Artshop – The Next Sun Rising will look deeper into the prominent issues of our times, and how artists have used art in protest and social justice movements. Independent projects will be supported by providing free materials to all students enrolled. Rolling admission, first 15 applicants are accepted.

Fridays starting April 14th – June 9th, 2023 4:30- 6:30p.

Work independently to create original, 2D animated content. Learn key foundational skills in digital illustration, animation, and film making. Learn how to use software such as: Toon Boom Harmony Advanced, Adobe: After Effects, Audition, Premiere Pro. No prior animation experience is necessary, drawing tablets are provided by Purdue University. Rolling admission, first 15 applicants are enrolled.

Mondays starting September 25th  – December 4th 2023 4:30- 6:30p.

Led by Artist Rhonda Wheatley, this two-year intensive program is for dedicated teen artists in 2022-23. Advanced Teen Track is specifically for teens seeking to pursue art in college or as a career. The Epstein Teen Artist Advanced Track pushes artists to develop skills through discussions and one-on-one mentoring with teaching artists, HPAC resident artists and staff. ATT also engages in studio and gallery visits, field trips, public presentations, and exhibitions. Epstein Teen Advanced Track artists receive a stipend to support their full participation.

*Participation includes occasional weekends and non-CPS attendance days throughout the academic year. This course does offer rolling admission.

This program is supported by the Epstein Family Foundation.

Tuesdays starting April 11th – June 6th, bi-weekly 2023 4:30- 6:30p.

Teen Photo is a great opportunity for you to explore and build photography skills in the field! Teen Photo will focus on street/outdoor photography, basic photography principles, and studio based shooting. Sponsored by Columbia College Chicago’s Photography Department, these courses are tuition-free, with cameras provided, and field trips that explore digital and darkroom photography techniques throughout the course. Rolling admission, first 15 applicants are enrolled.

The Guida Family Fund for Creativity made possible an upgrade to the digital equipment essential for Teen Photo and Advanced Photo Portfolio.  

Wednesdays starting April 12th – June 7th, 2023 4:30- 6:30p.

Offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters, this course is for students with intermediate to advanced photography skills, seeking to develop their work.

You’ll be exposed to a variety of photographic genres, styles and techniques throughout the course to help you broaden ideas of what a photographic portfolio can be. With advanced editing techniques, a focus on portfolio building, and consistent critique, this course seeks to propel participants into professional or collegiate photography.

PREREQUISITE: Participants must have already taken Teen Photography at Hyde Park Art Center (listed above). First 15 applicants are enrolled.

The Guida Family Fund for Creativity made possible an upgrade to the digital equipment essential for Teen Photo and Advanced Photo Portfolio.

Tuesdays starting April 11th – June 6th, 2023 4:30- 6:30p.

CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT AND NOT OFFERED

Teen EQUITY and Action (TEA) is a new program that focuses on supporting a small, dedicated team in fostering critical community conversations. This group of teens will engage with other teens, Teen Captains, collaborate with equity team staff, and HPAC board members in leading the work of structural change and transparency.