Several Syracuse University students are spending the summer helping local teen artists prepare for college and a career in the arts through a program at Syracuse’s Talent Agency.
Talent Agency teaching assistants include, from left, Alberto Veronica, Rebecca Aloisio, Tim Grayson, Hillary Schwickerath and Kejun Zhao.
Under the guidance of art faculty and staff in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), the Syracuse University students teach and counsel the artists as part of Talent Agency’s six-week summer intensive art program, the cornerstone of the agency’s year-round, nonprofit art portfolio development program that provides professional instruction, advisement and mentorship to help talented City of Syracuse high school students gain access to college programs and professional careers in the arts.
The Syracuse University students teach in all areas of art, including drawing, painting, sculpture/3D, illustration and metals, as well as offer college admission advising and guidance. The students include Rebecca Aloisio G’14, VPA painting alumna; Tim Grayson, VPA junior sculpture major; Hillary Schwickerath, School of Education school counseling graduate student; Alberto Veronica, VPA ceramics graduate student; and Kejun Zhao, VPA illustration graduate student.
The teen artists will show their work at a free open house, exhibition and reception on Friday, Aug. 15, from 3:30-6 p.m. at the agency’s art studios, 831 W. Fayette St., Syracuse, where they have been meeting since early July to produce high-quality portfolios for application to college and university art and design programs.
Talent Agency works with a diverse population of economically disadvantaged students who are committed to developing their talents in a rigorous pre-college program. Students are recommended for the program by City of Syracuse high school art teachers and guidance counselors. Selected students participate tuition free and receive a professional-quality presentation/carry portfolio and high-quality art materials, also free of charge.
The program is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, SU, CNY Works, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Gifford Foundation and numerous private donations.
For more information visit http://www.talentagency-syr.org or e-mail talentagency.syr@gmail.com.
