Teen Art Club
Open to ALL Teens ages 13-18
Free to Attend
YOU Belong Here!
The Teen Art Club at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a creative, supportive program designed for teens ages 13–18 who are interested in art, making, and community engagement. This program provides a safe and welcoming environment where teens can build creative skills, connect with peers, and explore artistic interests in a structured yet flexible setting.
Program Overview & Sessions
Teen Art Club combines guided Creative Explorations, open studio time, and volunteer opportunities in a flexible, supportive environment where teens can make art, try new things, connect with peers, and help shape the direction of the group.
Each session features a Creative Exploration—a fun, hands-on art activity designed to encourage teens to experiment with new materials, techniques, and ways of expressing themselves. Guided workshops and group sessions are generally led by Artistic Director Megan Shirley-Ross, with opportunities for future sessions to be facilitated by Teen Art Club members or visiting artists.
Teens are also encouraged to bring their own projects and use open studio time to work on whatever inspires them. Paint, draw, sculpt, crochet, sketch, craft, or bring a project you’re already working on. No specific project or experience is required—come create at your own pace.
Sessions may also include creative challenges, discussion, skill-building, collaborative projects, and planning future activities. As the program grows, teens will have opportunities to help shape activities and contribute their own ideas.
Teens can also earn volunteer hours by assisting with activities and programs at the Cultural Center. Volunteer hours are tracked and may be used to meet school or organization volunteer requirements. Earned volunteer hours may also provide access to the Cultural Center’s shared art supply library.
Safety & Community Expectations
Teen Art Club is a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space. To help ensure a respectful and supportive environment for all participants, all teens and their parents/guardians are required to review and sign a Community Contract prior to participation. This contract outlines expectations around behavior, respect, and shared responsibility within the space.
Click Here for Community Contract >
Teen Art Club Fall Schedule
Teen Art Club will meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 4:30-6:30 PM at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center. See below for dates and featured Creative Explorations.
- Thursday, September 10: Sketchbook Kickoff & Creative Warm-Ups
Customize a sketchbook, explore creative prompts, and begin planning personal projects. - Thursday, September 24: Acrylic Painting Studio
Experiment with acrylic techniques or continue an original painting. - Thursday, October 8: Printmaking Playground
Explore gelli printing, relief printing, and handmade stamps. - Thursday, October 22: Mixed Media Mash-Up
Layer collage, paint, drawing, found objects, and other creative materials. - Thursday, November 12: Fiber Arts Studio
Try embroidery, weaving, visible mending, friendship bracelets, or other textile arts. - Thursday, November 26: No Teen Art Club — Thanksgiving
- Thursday, December 10: Handmade Gifts & Tiny Treasures
Create ornaments, greeting cards, jewelry, mini artworks, or other handmade gifts. - Thursday, December 24:No Teen Art Club — Holiday Break
Please note: As a teen-informed and evolving program, dates and formats may adjust as the group grows.
Art Supplies
Teens who complete volunteer hours may gain access to a shared supply library at the Cultural Center. Supplies may include:
- Painting media: oil, acrylic, craft, and watercolor paints
- Drawing media: graphite, charcoal, oil pastels, soft pastels, and ink
- Printmaking supplies: gel plate printing materials and block printing tools
- Fiber arts: embroidery materials, fabric, yarn, crochet hooks, and knitting tools
- Craft supplies: hot glue, pom poms, pipe cleaners, and assorted materials
Supply availability may vary based on use and donations.
Who Can Participate
All teens ages 13–18 from the surrounding region are welcome. No prior art experience is required.
Questions? Contact us at 218-385-3339 or megan@kulcher.org.
This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
