Calling artists of all abilities! If you’re aged 15 to 25 and interested in learning how to turn your passion into a profession, then Art U might be for you. Artrepreneur University (ArtU) is an ongoing series of free workshops designed to help young artists create a sustainable career in the visual arts. The ArtU curriculum was created by the Museum’s Art+Action Fellow, Kyle Edwards, in partnership with AAM staff and other professional creatives to focus on two key areas for artists: Creative Literacy and Small Business Success.
“Artrepreneur U is aimed at empowering young artists,” says Edwards. “By embracing creative literacy—the art of discovering innovative ways for artists to monetize their craft—we encourage them to actively create opportunities and confidently navigate the creative industry. ArtU is where creativity meets opportunity.”
One of the projects that ArtU students will be involved with is the planning, design, and execution of a mural at Stevens Park in Allentown, which will be unveiled at a community celebration in June 2025. ArtU students will also have the opportunity to participate in the Museum’s fall fundraiser, Cocktails & Collecting, where artists sell their works and part of the proceeds go to help support the Museum.
ArtU courses will be held at the Museum and at Inkwell Creative Space, located at 1125 Hamilton Street in Allentown. Come to them all!
Admission to attend ArtU workshops is free, but please enroll one time by clicking the button below.
Here are the current workshops scheduled, with more to come:
Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Location: Inkwell
Mural Design with Kyle Edwards (Creative Literacy)
Join us on April 26th for an engaging Art U workshop on Mural Design, led by artist Kyle Edwards. In this hands-on session, students will build on their previous work to collaboratively finalize the design for the Stevens Park mural. Using a life-size model of the court, participants will bring their creative elements together, refining and completing the vision for this community project.
Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Inkwell
Entrepreneurship Essentials with Lehigh University
Join us for Entrepreneurship Essentials, a dynamic Art U class designed to equip aspiring artists with the foundational tools for success. This course covers the building blocks of starting a small business, including financial literacy basics and strategies for navigating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the local market.
Saturday, May 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Stevens Park
Mural Design – Prepping and Sketching
Bring your vision to life in this exciting ArtU class! Students will take their semester-long designs to the mural site, where they’ll measure, refine, and finalize their work before mapping out the installation plan. This hands-on session bridges the gap between concept and creation, preparing artists for the exciting next steps of transforming their designs into a large-scale masterpiece. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to be part of history as we create the Lehigh Valley’s first half-court mural!
Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m.-noon
Location: Stevens Park
Mural Installation
The transformation begins! In this exciting ArtU class, students will officially kickoff the installation of the Lehigh Valley’s first half-court mural. Over the next week, participants are invited to Stevens Park to help prep, prime, and paint this groundbreaking artwork. More than just a beautification project, this mural will stand at the heart of downtown Allentown as a testament to creativity, community, and collaboration. Register now to take part in this one-of-a-kind opportunity to gain real experience in creating large-scale public art!
Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Stevens Park
Stevens Park Community Celebration
Join us for a vibrant Block Party at Stevens Park in Allentown, PA, to celebrate the unveiling of ArtU’s community mural! This all-day event will be filled with fun for all ages, featuring hands-on arts workshops, food trucks, a high-energy 3x3basketball tournament, and live entertainment. Come together with neighbors and friends to enjoy great food, get creative, and experience the heart of our community in action. Don’t miss this exciting day of art, sports, and celebration!
Saturday, August 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Allentown Art Museum
Community Gallery Installation and Museum Curating and Portfolio Review with Claire McRee and Steve Gamler
In this special class, ArtU students will install their work in AAM’s Community Gallery as part of the first ArtU exhibition. This landmark exhibition will be displayed at both the Allentown Art Museum and Inkwell Creative Space, offering 2 unique platforms for these emerging artists. On August 9th, students will also have the opportunity to hear from AAM’s Associate Curator, Claire McRee, and Chief Preparator, Steve Gamler, as they share their career journeys and offer expert insights into museum curation and exhibition installation. This is an exciting opportunity to learn from industry professionals and see students’ creativity on display in their local museum!
Saturday, August 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Inkwell
Hands-On Gallery Curating and Strategy for Pricing
In this hands-on class, students will install their work at Inkwell and gain valuable insights from local gallerists on the business side of the art world. These experienced professionals will guide students in understanding the nuances of curating with a buyer in mind, setting strategic prices for their pieces, and exploring other creative avenues for generating income from their art. This is an exciting opportunity for students to learn how to turn their passion into profit while showcasing their work!
More classes to come, watch this space!