Student Mentor Program

The mission of Portland Open Studios is to educate the public about the process of art making and its connection and importance to the community. To celebrate our 10th year, Portland Open Studios introduced a student/artist mentor program designed to bring our mission to young artists. For the 2009 Tour over 20 artists participated in the mentor program showing over 45 high school students an inside view into the world of the studio artist, their art making and art selling process.

Read more about our 2009 program here.

How It Works

Artist, teacher and Board member, Allen Schmertzler organizes the dynamic program in the Portland Metro Area. In 2009, the program included 4 high schools: Wilson, Century, Grant and the Arts & Communications Academy. According to Allen, “The focus was to educate the public about the process of art making. Students were able to make art with the artists, have their own portfolio/artwork critiqued, learn about organizing and maintaining an art studio, gain sales experience, and spend time in a hands-on manner in the artist's studio. Students also were able to get credit towards Career Pathways, Career Education, Senior Project, Job Shadow, and/or an Internship for their school's art graduation requirements.”

The Experience

Artist Shelley Hershberger working with her student Megan Delius

Here is what some of the artists and students have to say about the program.

Artist Shelley Hershberger—My high school student, Megan Delius, was helpful, polite, showed up on time and respectful of my space and tools. We had great chats during lull times and she pitched in graciously when things were busy. She would be welcome in my studio anytime.

Student Megan Delius—It was a fantastic learning experience and overall a really good time. I feel so honored to be able to work with a professional artist, and learning how to do monoprints.

Artist Susan Gallacher-Turner—Dani helped with the guest book, email info as well as showing the work to visitors when I was busy with another group. When it was slow, I showed her how to do repousse' with the copper and she made a small animal, did patina work with heat/chemicals, and went home with a small finished piece.

Student Dani Goodman—I learned that you don’t have to limit yourself to one type of art. I learned the different effects you can create with metal using chemicals and heat and how to make different imprints on copper. I find myself experimenting with tools to create new effects.

Student Alex Sanchez shares working in the studio of Shawn Demarest—Watching her spread the ink on the copper plate, she told me about types of ink and how to handle the cloth as you rub it onto the plate. I ended up taking the copper plate along with the etching needle to work on.

Artist Kitty Wallis—Magali was a treasure. She listened, she learned, she was able to answer visitors’ questions. She was very interested in learning, not just from me but from the visitors. I give her an A+. I have offered her continued mentoring if she can find a way I can help her.

Student Magali Lopez on artist/mentor, Kitty Wallis—I really loved this opportunity. She has been doing art professionally for 50 years, creating her own paper, pastels and techniques. Kitty Wallis is an amazing artist, and very inspiring.

Artist Allen Schmertzler—Actually I have been doing this for the past 6 years being on the tour. I had 4 students in my studio each day. When the flow of traffic ended, I opened up my storage draws and pulled out the many previous finished concepts and idea sheets that I doodle on, as well as my sketch books, so the students could learn how to deconstruct my finished paintings back into the primal matter of the sketching, and then go from the sketching back to realize the final vision presented in the paintings. We talked about materials, selling, showing, and even got into a bit of the psychology of confronting one's fears as an artist. Given the size and layout of my studio, I had 2 students as my greeters, the other 2 as hosts in the main gallery/studio area. They switched jobs every hour or so being able to interact with guests and watch my interactions with guests from slightly different perspectives.

Artist Marcy Baker—It was a wonderful experience. Haley was a perfect match and I think she really enjoyed herself. I certainly enjoyed having her here in the studio. She assisted me during the printmaking demos, pulled a print herself, talked with guests and during slow times we looked at printmaking books, talked art, and got to know each other. If I participate in Open Studios again next year I will definitely want to be part of the program.

Art Teacher, Susan Parker of Wilson High Schools sums up the programs success—It was an amazing opportunity for these students. I hope Portland Open Studios artists will consider doing something like this again.

Benefits

In addition to offering a career/enrichment educational component linking schools to artists in their studios, here are some of the opportunities the Mentor Program offers high school art students:

1. Senior project experience, graduation requirements, career guidance and a hands-on experience in the field working with artists in their studios and in an actual business marketing and sales environment.
2. Mentorship relationship, where volunteer Portland Open Studio artists and art students will be paired based on mutual interests, media, and time availability. This experience may be set up initially as a short-term relationship but may develop into a longer one as per the dynamics between the participants.
3. Volunteer in an artist’s studio for up to 4 days during the Portland Open Studios 2 weekend tour. This may involve roles such as public greeter/host for the artist and their studio, or assisting the artist in pre-arranged jobs, with intimate access to a professional working artist in their studio for an authentic real world professional growth experience.
4. Meet any “Job Shadow” requirements.
5. Additional time and experience with the artist, which may expand into out of the studio art career experiences, such as, acquiring materials, negotiating with vendors, galleries, workshops, art openings/walks.
6. Gain an understanding of a non-profit arts organization.
7. Have art critiqued, reviewed, shared, and/or assistance in establishing an art portfolio.

Contact

Whether you’re an artist interested in mentoring or a school wanting to participate, this program provides a valuable learning experience. If you have questions or want more information about the program, contact Allen Schmertzler, , Student Mentor Program Director and Board Member.