We are currently accepting applications for our 2027 Mentor Program, which runs from December 7, 2026 - April 18, 2027. This program gives dedicated high school students within 25 miles of GAC an opportunity to be paired with a professional artist in the pursuit of furthering their development in an area of special interest. This unique pairing has enabled students to challenge themselves in a deeper exploration of a medium in which they already have proficiency and to gain insight from the professional life experience of their mentor. Please be reminded that this program is designed for students who can work independently and follow through on their commitment.

The program culminates with a group exhibition of the students’ work in one of the professional galleries of the Art Center. In order to give each student the desired amount of gallery space, we limit the number of accepted students. Students will be selected on the merits, strength, and clarity of their proposals. Our Mentor Program has become very competitive, so applicants need to be thorough in describing their interests and goals for this program. In the past we have accepted the following disciplines for the program: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, pottery, photography, character development/storyboarding, textiles, mosaic, and collage. Students will be notified to let them know if they have been accepted into the program or not.

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Students need to submit their application on our website no later than October 21.  There is a non-refundable application fee of $30.

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This is a time-consuming program and students need to be dedicated to this process. If you have other commitments that take up a lot of your schedule, this may not be the program for you. Make sure you will be able to both work independently during the program, as well as commit to meeting with your mentor a minimum of 6 times (at least 4 in person) during the span of this program. This needs to be a priority in your schedule. 

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We launch the program at a mandatory “Meet and Greet” session on Monday, December 7, 2026 from 5 – 6pm on Zoom. This is a valuable meeting covering program information, timeline, and mentor/student introductions. Students are expected to meet up with their mentor with samples of their work and specific ideas to be discussed within the first week of the program.

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We launch the program at a mandatory “Meet and Greet” session on Monday, December 8, from 5 – 6pm on Zoom. This is a valuable meeting covering program information, timeline, and mentor/student introductions. Mentors and students must meet a minimum of 6 times during the 14-week period. Students are expected to meet up with their mentor with samples of their work and specific ideas to be discussed within the first week of the program. 

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Application and $30 fee due:  October 21, 2026

Meet and Greet on Zoom: Monday, December 7, from 5 – 6 pm 

Deliver work ready to hang: Tues. March 30, 2027 between 10am – 7pm and Wed. March 31, 9am-11am

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Exhibition: April 3 - 18, 2026

Opening Reception: Saturday, April 3, 1:00 - 3:00 pm​​