Smack Mellon’s transformative mentorship program
Smack Mellon, a nonprofit arts organization based in DUMBO, Brooklyn, embarked on a remarkable journey to nurture the creative talents of 25 New York City public high school students. This initiative, supported by the Royal Talens Foundation, provided these young artists with an unparalleled opportunity to explore their artistic potential and gain invaluable experience.
A unique learning experience
The participants, all students from various public high schools in New York City, engaged in a comprehensive program that included visits to different cultural institutions. These visits were designed to broaden their artistic horizons and inspire their creative processes. However, the heart of the project was a four-month-long mentorship with professional working artists from Smack Mellon’s vibrant community.
Creating art with Royal Talens materials
Throughout the mentorship, the students and their mentors utilized high-quality art materials provided by the Royal Talens Foundation. These materials played a crucial role in the creation of their artwork, allowing the students to experiment with different mediums and techniques. The support from Royal Talens ensured that the young artists had access to the best tools to bring their visions to life.
A culmination of creativity
The program culminated in a final group exhibition at the Smack Mellon Gallery, where the students showcased their body of work. This exhibition was not just a display of their artistic achievements but also a testament to their growth and development over the course of the mentorship. It provided the students with a platform to present their work to a broader audience, gaining recognition and feedback from the art community.
About Smack Mellon
Smack Mellon is dedicated to nurturing and supporting emerging, under-recognized mid-career, and women artists. The organization provides exhibition opportunities, studio workspace, and access to equipment and technical assistance, enabling artists to realize ambitious projects. Smack Mellon serves as a vital platform for under-represented artists to create, explore, and exhibit their creative ideas outside the commercial art world, offering them the exposure and recognition they deserve.
Supported projects
In times of displacement and uncertainty, art can be a powerful tool for healing and connection. Ukrainian artist Vlad Kladko, now residing in Oslo, Norway, understands this deeply. Besides his work with refugees at the Tåsen camp, he has initiated a remarkable art project that brings beauty and creativity back into the lives of those affected by war.
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In September and October 2024, the SAWA Collective, a non-profit organization supporting young adult asylum seekers in the Netherlands, partnered with the Royal Talens Foundation to host a series of empowering creative workshops for women residing in an asylum seekers’ centre in Amsterdam.
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The past year has been marked by intense violence, suffering, and heartbreak in various conflict zones around the world. We want to emphasize that we stand with all victims in a conflict and support organisations that help these victims when needed.
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The Lisbon Project’s Summer Art Project is in full swing, and the impact has been profound, thanks to the generous donation of materials by the Royal Talens Foundation. Last month, a debrief meeting with lead Art Therapist Paola Villanueva and her assistant highlighted the project’s success and outlined the next steps.
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