Three people in an art studio are working on their projects. The studio is filled with supplies. One person uses ink, another holds a tool, and the third paints. Various artworks are laid out on the table.

The Joslyn’s Kent Bellows Mentoring Program (KBMP) brings together high school students and professional artists for year-round mentoring in a safe space where teens have freedom and support to explore, think, and express themselves through art. With access to supplies and guidance from mentors and staff, teen artists pursue their own original ideas, gain technical skills in various media, exhibit their work, build an art portfolio, and expand their creative community.

Kent Bellows Mentoring Program

Program Overview & Application Process

Beginning in summer 2025, in addition to the longstanding core program held at Kent Bellows Studio (KBS), 3303 Leavenworth Street, a new foundations programs will meet at The Joslyn. Foundations is for high school freshmen and sophomores and emphasizes skill building in drawing, painting, and mixed media, with the benefit of frequent visits to the Museum’s galleries. The core program remains primarily for juniors and seniors, with mentees focused on a medium of choice each trimester, opportunities for fieldtrips, and the expectation of presenting artwork in group exhibitions at KBS.

KBMP core and foundation programs operate on a pay-as-you-are-able tuition model ($1–$600 per trimester). Supplies are provided. Mentees attend program twice per week; 4-6 pm during the school year; 3-6 pm in the summer. Applications are accepted year-round, and interviews are conducted in March. We seek teens who are passionate about art and committed to their own education. Priority is given to students from schools that are not currently represented in the program.

February 1 is the application deadline to be considered for enrollment beginning in May. If you have questions about the program, the mentee application process, or are interested in being an artist mentor, please contact us.

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Core ProgramMentor
2D Mixed MediaCasey Callahan
3D SculptureTom McLaughlin
Arts ManagementViy
CeramicsJon Austin
Digital PaintingKasper Swain
DrawingNeil Griess
Fashion ArtsDemetria Geralds
Mixed MediaJada Messick
Mural ArtsHugo Zamorano
PaintingCasey Callahan, Shawnequa Linder
PhotographyLaura Burke
PrintmakingMike Giron
Textiles & Fiber ArtPeyton Pearson
Foundations Program
Drawing, Painting, & Mixed Media

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