From January to May 2025, I interned at ArtWorks for Milwaukee through UWM’s ArtsECO program.
ArtWorks for Milwaukee is a youth organization dedicated to preparing young people for the future by providing transferable career skills through art-based internships. Their programs focus on key outcomes identified by long-term partners, including the MPS Partnership for the Arts & Humanities. These outcomes aim to ensure that Milwaukee youth are socially and emotionally healthy, acquire 21st-century skills to become successful adults, and have a positive impact on their communities. The programs emphasize professional development, collaboration, leadership, accountability, and other soft skills, while offering opportunities across various art media to reflect both youth interests and the evolving 21st-century workforce.
My experience at ArtWorks was really engaging. The interns were working on a slow fashion project, transforming and upcycling old clothing into new pieces that were unique to them. They learned a variety of skills such as sewing, embroidery, and other techniques that allowed them to express creativity while developing practical abilities.
My experience at ArtWorks was really engaging. The interns were working on a slow fashion project, transforming and upcycling old clothing into new pieces that were unique to them. They learned a variety of skills such as sewing, embroidery, and other techniques that allowed them to express creativity while developing practical abilities.
My role primarily involved supporting the interns by setting up materials, organizing workspaces, and helping make the creative process easier for them. The high school interns were at a stage where they could work more independently and were highly motivated to learn, since everyone who applied wanted to be there. I assisted by making sample pieces and offering guidance, but the teens were able to explore, experiment, and develop their skills without constant oversight. This was very different from my experiences in elementary and middle school classrooms, where younger students often required more direct instruction and supervision. I really appreciated seeing how autonomy, encouragement, and support could foster both skill development and confidence in these older students.
Overall, interning at ArtWorks gave me a deeper understanding of how mentorship and guidance can empower youth to take ownership of their learning while developing practical skills that will benefit them long after the internship ends.
Ava Sandersen 