Please join us tonight, Thursday, April 27 from 6–8pm at the Dougherty Arts Center for our 9th Annual Art Show! The Spring Art Exhibition is the culmination of 10 weeks of work by our 40 Little Artists.
Jeffery Miles is a Big Artist mentor to Octavian at Barbara Jordan Elementary. Learn about his experience being an artist and arts mentor.
How long have you been a Big Artist?
This is my first time being a Big Artist.
What is your favorite thing about the program?
My favorite thing about the program is reactions the Little Artists have when they push themselves and create something that they didn’t realize they had the talent to make.
What is it about teaching and mentoring that makes you happy?
Building a connection with the students and knowing that I am having a positive effect on a person’s life is what makes it worth it.
When you were a kid, did you have a mentor or someone who gave you a push toward art?
I always had people that gave me compliments about my art and supported me, but I never really had anyone take the time and mentor me towards art. I would’ve really valued having that presence.
Where can people find your work?
You can find my work at themilescollective.com.
Caitlin B. Alexander is a Big Artist mentor to Madison at Blackshear Elementary. Learn about her experience being an artist and arts mentor.
How long have you been a Big Artist?
Just this one time, so far!
What is your favorite thing about the program?
I love that this program takes art careers seriously, and shows Elementary-age kids that they can, in fact, be an artist when they grow up. The earlier a Little Artist taps into their creative potential, the more time they have to grow and explore!
What is it about teaching and mentoring that makes you happy?
Connecting with the kids who are particularly passionate about art is really rewarding. My current Little Artist can’t go anywhere without her sketchbook, and I think that’s incredible! It always makes me think back to being the same age, and remembering how the tiniest bits of encouragement were life-changing. I want to be able to give that same gift to them, that others were kind enough to give me.
When you were a kid, did you have a mentor or someone who gave you a push toward art?
My mother is an artist, so my brother and I were working on drawing projects from as early as I can remember. Honestly, I feel like I owe her all of my successes and achievements, because we were so lucky to grow up in an encouraging, creative environment. By the time I hit 9th grade, I already knew that art was going to be my career path, and I lucked out yet again, by having an incredible teacher through all of High School, too. Mr. Bates, at Dripping Springs High School, was everything I could ask for in a mentor during that time of my life. I took numerous art classes every year, and especially in the Advanced Placement ones, Mr. Bates pushed us to grow and improve, enter competitions like the Visual Arts Scholastic Event, and put together portfolios. Without a doubt, the hours I spent in that classroom with my little AP group and Mr. Bates are the fondest memories I have of my teenage years.
Where can people find your work?
My portfolio is at www.cbaillustration.com, and you can buy my art in my Etsy shop.
Please join us on Thursday, April 27 from 6–8pm at the Dougherty Arts Center for our 9th Annual Art Show! The Spring Art Exhibition is the culmination of 10 weeks of work by our 40 Little Artists.
These 5th and 6th graders represent six East Austin elementary schools. Each Little Artist will show one of their two artworks alongside one of their BIG ARTIST mentor’s pieces.
We’ll also have live music from the Blackshear Soundwaves Orchestra, Maplewood Ukulele Choir, Allison Dragon Choir and the Barbara Jordan Choir. The reception is free, and Spanish translation will be provided. Come out and experience a unique Austin art scene!
Find out more information on the event page.
We’ve been sharing interviews with Big Artists on the blog and Big Artist experiences on Twitter in excitement over our Little Artist BIG ARTIST program. The impact our Big Artists mentorship has on our Little Artists is immeasurable, but you can see some of the fruits of their labor at our 9th Annual Little Artist Big Artist art exhibit.
Angel Ortega is a Big Artist mentor to TWO Little Artists, Angie and Melanie at Allison Elementary. Learn about her experience being an artist and arts mentor.
How long have you been a Big Artist?
This is my first year as a Big Artist. I loved it so much that I took on a 2nd Little Artist!
What is your favorite thing about the program?
I love seeing the creativity of my Little Artists. At the beginning of each work day, we talk through what we were going to work on and they are always creative in accomplishing it. It’s very cool to see them complete their work.
What is it about teaching and mentoring that makes you happy?
It is always fun to help people grow and learn. I learned so much from my mentors and I hope I can have that same influence on others.
When you were a kid, did you have a mentor or someone who gave you a push toward art?
I learned a lot of skills from my junior high and high school art teachers Ms. Fundis & Mr. Kolache. They encouraged me and often loaned me art supplies so that I could practice my skills. I still use a lot of what they taught me in my work today. In my 30s I went back to school to study graphic design. Austin Community College has an amazing visual communications program and I learned a lot from Gail Bayeta, Oen Hammonds, Edd Patton, and Sam Coronado. My greatest mentor is my dad. He always encouraged me to draw on the entire sheet of paper.
Where can people find your work?
You can see a fun collaboration piece I did with my Little Artists April 27th at the Dougherty Art Center. It’s going to be a great show. The future is talented! I have my own graphic design company, Garzig Design. You can find me online to buy merchandise. Keep up with all my work on Instagram.
Jeremy Wahlberg is a Big Artist mentor to Little Artist Hikaru at Govalle. Learn about his experience being an artist and arts mentor.
How long have you been a Big Artist?
This is my first year!
What is your favorite thing about the program?
My Little Artist! And, the opportunity to provide art mentoring for our young community.
What is it about teaching and mentoring that makes you happy?
Being there and witnessing the Little Artists ‘get it’ — when they finally have breakthrough or get really excited – that is just amazing to be part of!
When you were a kid, did you have a mentor or someone who gave you a push toward art?
This is a long list! I had many wonderful mentors and still do – that’s why I am doing this, too. I couldn’t be where I am or doing what I do without their support.
Where can people find your work?
Right now the best opportunity to see my work is through our company website Delineate Studio. We have some great architecture projects going up around town. Also some of my personal art projects work are here.
Learn about the experiences of Gabi Williams, our first Little Artist Ambassador, who went from being a student in our LaBA program to exhibiting at the 2016 Cherrywood Art Fair.
First, I’d like to know about your overall experience in the Little Artist BIG ARTIST program, and how has it impacted you personally within your artistic goals?
Answer: My close friend Stella and I were paired up with a weaver named Patricia Day. Visiting her home/studio and being exposed to the life of a full time artist was amazing to see as a fifth grader. It was the first time I realized that I could potentially go into an artistic career and make a living off of my art. Overall, it motivated me to take more art classes and become more interested in the art world.
What did you enjoy the most during your Little Artist BIG ARTIST mentoring sessions?
Answer: I very much enjoyed being able to work in an artist’s studio. Seeing someone with that dedicated work space was inspirational. I also enjoyed being able to discuss the process of selling art with someone who knew all about it.
If you were to give advice to a young artist what would that be?
Answer: I would tell a young artist to create as much as they can. The best practice is making art whenever possible. I would also suggest experimenting and learning about different media types because you never know what you are going to end up enjoying.
How did your BIG ARTIST help you and what was important in your relationship?
Answer: Participating in the LaBA program has really been a big part of my artistic career because it is something that sets me apart from others. I thought more people at my Fine Arts high school would have been in LaBA but there are only a few of us. When I applied to the program at McCallum Fine Arts, I brought the pieces I created alongside Patricia as part of my portfolio. I think having that unique, individual artwork was what made it possible to be accepted to the Fine Arts Academy. Having input and creative critique from someone other than family or teachers was one of the best things about working with Patricia
Gabi, although only 15 years old now, represents exactly what we are trying to accomplish with the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program, future creatives developing a sustainable future. She is a graduate of the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program and was one of our ambassadors at the Cherrywood Art Fair (CAF) last year. Gabi had a booth set up next to her BIG ARTIST at the Cherrywood Art Fair and sold her very own art pieces.
Attend the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Opening Night Reception on April 27, 2017 from 6–8 pm at the Dougherty Arts Center to see the works of our 2017 LaBA Program Class. The Spring Art Exhibition will continue to be displayed through May 21.
If you’d like to get involved in the Little Artist BIG ARTIST Program click here for more information.
Our next event is the 9th Annual Little Artist BIG ARTIST art exhibit opening. Join us Thursday, April 27 from 6–8pm at the Dougherty Arts Center. The art exhibit is the culmination of 10 weeks of work by our 40 Little Artists and 35 BIG ARTIST. Our Little Artists are 5th and 6th graders representing six East Austin elementary schools. Each Little Artist will show one of their two artworks alongside a piece created by their BIG ARTIST mentor.
We’ll also have live music from the Blackshear Soundwaves Orchestra, Maplewood Ukulele Choir, Allison Dragon Choir and the Barbara Jordan Choir. The reception is free and Spanish translation will be provided. Come out and experience a unique Austin art scene! Can’t make the art opening reception? The artwork will be available for viewing through May 21st.
HUGE thanks to our Little Artist BIG ARTIST sponsors, Pentagram, KLRU, Verts Mediterranean Grill, Lantana Hummus, Wheatsville Co-op, and Nothing Bundt Cakes for their dedication to the arts community in Austin!
When: April 27 – May 21, 2017
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 27th | 6:00–8:00pm
Where: Dougherty Arts Center | 1110 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Price: FREE and all ages are welcome!
RSVP: facebook.com/events/200109117146434
