Kent Bellows Mentoring Program

Joslyn's Kent Bellows Mentoring Program is dedicated to building creative capacity in teens, fostering artistic community, and encouraging the mentoring spirit in the arts. We offer small-group, teen art programs in many areas, allowing students to try a number of different mediums, techniques and formats. Students are encouraged to meet and connect with peers from different schools, learn new skills and explore unfamiliar art forms.

For more information on our programs, please visit our KBMP Vimeo page or our Teens at Joslyn Facebook page.


Program History

In January 2014, Joslyn Art Museum welcomed into its family the newly named Kent Bellows Mentoring Program and ownership of the Kent Bellows Studio, located at 33rd and Leavenworth Street in Omaha. In 2007, a nonprofit organization was established to create an art mentor program for teens — the legacy of Nebraska-born artist Kent Bellows (1949–2005), whose realist work, including the self-portrait at right, is part of Joslyn’s collection. That entity dissolved at the end of 2013, and Joslyn assumed responsibility for the future of its successful program, recognized for its dynamic vision, unique and versatile curriculum model, and exceptional work with young people. Kent Bellows Studio remains the home base for the Mentoring Program and — as an integral piece of Joslyn’s whole — the program allows the Museum to significantly expand its active engagement of teens, local artist mentors, and youth agencies throughout the metro area. The identity and integrity of this highly respected program, which helps develop the creative voice of youth, remains intact, with promise for growth and diversification.
Follow the link for more about Kent Bellows. MORE DETAILS >


CERAMICS
In this program you will explore various construction and glazing methods for working with clay. You will also develop professional ceramic studio practices and learn how to express meaningful ideas through objects.

DIGITAL ANIMATION & PAINTING
In this tech-savvy program, you will work with digital software to create imagery, narrative animation, and motion graphics. You will learn how to work with drawing tablets and Adobe products to render digital bitmap paintings, vector graphics, and original animations. 3D printing and modeling tools are also available to you.

FASHION DESIGN
In this program you will explore fashion as art. You will work closely with a working fashion artist to create wearable designs out of a variety of fabric and experimental materials that will be displayed on the runway!

MIXED MEDIA
In this program you will experiment with different combinations of art making methods and mediums while exploring the potential of alternative craft and art tools. You will learn about other mixed media artists while developing your own experimental style and process.

MUSIC PRODUCTION
This program investigates the use of technology and traditional instruments as music making tools. You will work closely with a talented mentor using Ableton Live to create music and sound art that can be performed live.
MURAL
In this program matches professional mural painters with young artists to create public art for the community. Each mural is designed by the mentor and mentees in response to community research and in collaboration with Omaha Public Works. Traditional latex and aerosol paints are used separately or in combination to achieve different visual effects. To date, students and mentors of this mural arts program have completed over 50 community murals. MORE DETAILS >
PAINTING
In this program you will investigate various painting techniques, strategies, and forms while also learning about historical and modern artists using the medium. You will work closely with your mentor to develop and display original paintings in either oil, acrylic, or watercolor.

PHOTOGRAPHY
In this program you will be exposed to traditional photographic processes using black and white film and darkroom practices. Emphasis will be placed on your own ideas that you would like to capture and how to properly enlarge and develop them into prints.

PRINTMAKING
In this program you will be exposed to a variety of printmaking methods including intaglio, relief, and litho. Emphasis will be placed on expressing your own visual ideas and a thorough understanding of the printmaking art form.

SCREEN PRINTING
In this program you will learn the basics of photo-emulsion screen printing with hands on exposing, printing, and registering onto paper, fabric, or any other experimental medium. Emphasis is placed on creating designs digitally that speak on social or political issues.

SCULPTURE
In this program you will build the spatial thinking skills necessary for rendering sculptural forms in clay, metal, wood, plaster, and/or plastics. You will learn molding and casting techniques, and explore a history of sculpture making. Emphasis is placed on hands-on construction methods.

WEAVING AND TEXTILES
In this program you will have the option to create works using fiber as your main medium. You will be taught how to weave on a small loom as well as paint or screen print unique designs on pre-made clothing.