Hear Our Stories
What teens have to say about their ArtWorks experiences.

Click here to read our interview with 2010 Apprentice, Kyra Watkins.

"ArtWorks shows that life is better with art in it.  There is more to the project than painting a mural."
-Harrisen Carney, 20, Helentown mural

"Without ArtWorks, I wouldn’t have a job while I’m home.  I’m happy that even though the economy is bad, ArtWorks is working to hire teens willing to work."
-Ashlie Meyer, 18, Stage Crew

"I got into the art world late, only starting to draw in my junior year of high school, and I decided I wanted to go to an art school. Sadly, I had no extra curricular activities relating to art to impress colleges. But then I found ArtWorks. After just one summer with ArtWorks, I had an exciting resume including painting a mural in the Cincinnati Art Museum, having a photo gallery in the ArtWorks gallery, and painting a BMW. This resume plus my portfolio got me into the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) with a large scholarship, and I cannot be thankful enough. Never had I thought I’d be going to one of the top art schools in the country. ArtWorks made a huge impact in my life."
-Evan Grothjan, 18, Newport mural

"ArtWorks is fun and productive.  I spent five weeks painting a mural, and in that five weeks I gained technical skills, historical knowledge, and some money in the bank."
-Anonymous, 20, Newport mural

"ArtWorks is an important program because while it is helping young students build on artistic and texhnical skills, it is also beautifying Greater Cincinnati.  I have learned what it is like to work with people from diverse background and I have built on my responsibility.  I would describe ArtWorks as an art program that displays the world of art to communities in a positive way."
-Inaya Smith Sellers, 15, Newport mural

"It’s a great experience.  You have the opportunity to connect with different people and get close to them while doing the thing that brought everyone there—art.  And getting paid for it is a bonus :) ."
-Anonymous, 16, Pleasant Ridge mural

"ArtWorks is important to me because I met people outside of my neighborhood. I never would have learned about my city if I wasn't a part of ArtWorks."
-Seth Huff, 18, Lakota East High School


"ArtWorks opened my eyes to the many different roles the arts play in society. I met so many different people in this program and every day was a new experience. Each person had their own uniqueness and their own views. I love the diversity!"
-Alison Ward, 16, Hughes Center


"I've met a lot of people who are associated with the arts community of Cincinnati through the ArtWorks Program. Because of ArtWorks, I have a network of artists that I can contact at any time if I need help or advice. Being an ArtWorks employee has definitely strengthened my reputation as an artist and helped me enhance my skills as a maker of art and a person in the work world."
-Anonymous Apprentice Artist


"Being part of the ArtWorks Program was an experience you just can't get anywhere else! Not only is this a great program to brighten Cincinnati, but it also gives a great sense of accomplishment and community to the Apprentices. We've all had experiences we'll never forget and friendships to last a lifetime."
-Emilie Clark, 15, Walnut Hills High School


"ArtWorks is a great program to get young aspiring artists working together to make art. It helps you know about jobs for artists and specialized skills that you may not learn in school."
-Anonymous Apprentice Artist


"The ArtWorks Program is an incredible way to spend your summer. I was able to learn artistic processes and experience the art world while being introduced to other artists around Cincinnati. This collaborative process is amazing!"
-Joe Bova, 17, LaSalle High School