Teen Programs

Gather, connect, and engage with thousands of artworks through the Milwaukee Art Museum’s teen programs. Become a part of Milwaukee’s rich artistic tapestry while expanding your portfolio, creating public works of art, interfacing with practicing artists, and developing practical skills for a career in the arts. Teen programs are open to high schoolers age 16–18 enrolled in Milwaukee area schools.

Contact our team by emailing teens@mam.org.

Satellite Teen Internship—Spring 2023

Apply to be a Satellite Teen Intern, and discover the ins and outs of Museum work at the Milwaukee Art Museum! This internship brings passionate Milwaukee teens together to take a dive deep into the Museum’s inner workings with its staff. As an intern, you’ll work with local practicing artists, visit offsite studios and galleries, and explore institutions with art programs. You’ll develop a wide range of skills to enhance your knowledge of using art as a tool to redefine, shift, and change the culture. You’ll also share this knowledge through developing tours for elementary school students for our Critical Learning Center Day! Your final project will consist of an innovative collaborative project and reception at the Museum.

Apply now →
Download application →

Scholastic Art Awards: Wisconsin Exhibition

Grades 7–12

The Milwaukee Art Museum has hosted the annual Scholastic Art Awards: Wisconsin Exhibition since 1976. This program offers early recognition of creative teenagers by local and national professionals in the arts; exhibition opportunities for regional and national audiences; and scholarships for graduating seniors who present portfolios of art. See selections from last year’s exhibition.

Who Participates?

Young artists residing in Wisconsin who: are currently enrolled in grades 7–12 during the current school year; attend a public, private, parochial or home-school; have begun their own creative journey and want to grow as creative individuals; want to make connections to their peers and creative organizations; want to develop mastery and explore more opportunities to showcase their work; and believe there is no limit to where their creative journey can take them!

How can I submit to the Scholastic Art Awards: Wisconsin Exhibition?

The process begins with students submitting creative works of art to the Wisconsin Regional Affiliate program through an art teacher or other primary teacher if their school does not have an art teacher. Supported by their teachers and other community mentors, students create and submit their best works in any of the following visual arts categories:

Requests for entry materials to the Scholastic Art Awards: Wisconsin Exhibition may be made starting in late September. Art work submissions are due in late December, so request entry materials before December to complete your submission by the deadline.

Need more information?

Visit the Scholastic Art Awards: Wisconsin website for more information and entry forms.

ArtXpress Teen Internship—Summer 2023

For four weeks in the summer, interns work with local artists and fellow talented peers. Drawing inspiration from the Museum’s collection and feature exhibitions, interns work together to create a mural that positively addresses an issue in the city of Milwaukee. Interns also mentor elementary school students from Milwaukee Public Schools, leading tours through the collection and making art. The internship concludes with a special celebration where the completed mural is revealed and displayed on a Milwaukee County Transit System bus. Check back for more information on how to apply for the 2023 internship.

Teen Programs are sponsored by:

Elizabeth E Doolittle Charitable Trusts
Anonymous Donor

Additional Sponsor:

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.