ArtStART

Mentoring Emerging Teenage Artists
ArtStART is a professional development program for “career-track” emerging teenage artists. Currently ArtStART is offered to visual art students at Dillard Center for the Arts and Emerging Computer Technology county-wide magnet programs. Dillard High School is a Broward County public school located near downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Through ArtStART workshops, the young artists learn how to produce professional artist documents required for exhibit submissions, how to put together an art exhibit, and how to curate the exhibit. The workshops culminate in a group exhibition where the artists engage with the public and practice the skills they learn.

Created in 2015, by Fort Lauderdale artist, Cheryl Brown, ArtStART helps secure the continued growth of local arts and enrich the community’s cultural environment. As an artist and activist, Ms. Brown is committed to shaping the culture of her local community.

“Mentoring students helps to grow the local art culture. The best way of keeping young talent in their home communities is to remind them what these communities have to offer. ArtStART demonstrates that there is a place for young emerging artists within their local art culture, and it teaches them how to secure this place.”

ArtStART Alumni Gallery Collection

The ArtStART Alumni Gallery Collection is comprised of original artworks donated by the program participants. The ArtStART program is offered at no cost to the applicants, however at the end of each participant’s program cycle the alumni contribute one piece of art to the gallery. All sales benefit the ArtStART: Mentoring Emerging Teenage Artists program. The collection contains works spanning ArtStART 2016-2020.
Framed ArtStART Alumni Gallery works are available for $50-$150 each. Please contact the program to purchase work, while we are working on our new shop: artstartprogram@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

Funding for this project is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council.

ArtStART 2022 Exhibit: Mentoring Emerging Teenage Artists

ArtStART TESTIMONIALS

“Mrs. Brown. I would like to warmly thank you for all the opportunities you provide and your continued support of young artist such as myself. I cannot even begin to expound on how valuable your program has been in my growth and development as a young artist. I wanted to extend my thanks and gratitude because I truly believe you are not only benefiting students — but the community at large. Through your countless hours of service and commitment you’ve certainly had an impact not only in my life but others. I just wanted to recognize you and all your efforts. I look forward to working with you in the future.- Jamesly Saint-Louis, ArtStART 2019
Amazing experience! I participated in this program for the 2017 exhibit. Based in FATVillage, the environment was outstanding. The mentors truly guided and helped me create a strong portfolio and better art. This program also helped me gain various connections and lifelong skills, such as how to effectively communicate and present myself and my art. Would recommend to anyone interested in an art related field.- Marcus Nkosi Pierre-Louis, ArtStART 2017
This was a super valuable program for me as a young artist. It gave me the opportunity to showcase my work and interact with the local community and grow.- Briyana Butler, ArtStART 2016
Cheryl is so inspiring. Great program.- Bonnie Lallky-Seibert, Exhibit Attendee
Amazing program that supports and mentors teenage artists. Welcoming and charming Cheryl Brown hosts this event and guides teen kids in this art exhibit where one can find original pieces that combine various design techniques (pictures, graphic design, hand paintings, etc.). Ambiance music and fun photo booth complement the exhibit. Great experience for family members of all ages and a great excuse to stroll down the streets of Ft. Lauderdale's FAT Village. Thank you Cheryl! Hope to see you at the next event.- Silvana Elejalde, Parent of Exhibiting Artist
Translation from original: Congratulations on this great and successful event! I hope you continue to have a lot of support and response in your effort to promote the art of our youth. Thank you on my behalf, as the mother of one of the artists invited (Mariangela Baigorria) who were given the opportunity, together with their colleagues, to make their art and talent known through this exhibition, thus rewarding their daily effort and desire for personal and artistic improvement. Thank you Cheryl Brown, for the great job organizing and directing this excellent program that allows these young artists to grow in their capacities. Congratulations again and a lot of success in future events!- Claudia Hupiu, Parent of Exhibiting Artist