Main Gallery Young Artist

Overview

City of Racine residents will earn a 4% differential on top of the hourly pay range.

POSITION

PURPOSE:

Are you a passionate young artist looking for an opportunity to explore your creativity, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience in the arts? Our Main Gallery program is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic youth artists (ages 14-17, candidate can be 18 as long as the individual does not turn 19 during the program) to participate in an immersive 6-week art program.

This is a fantastic opportunity to grow as an artist while engaging in exciting field trips, workshops, and creative projects.

Main Gallery is a summer program implemented by the City of Racine Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services providing meaningful employment in the arts for young people. Working under the guidance of experienced professional artists, participants are taught valuable job skills, while also learning artistic techniques and creative expression. This is a paid program requiring youth artists to work approximately 18 – 20 hours per week.

There will be field trips included in this program.

We are looking for young creatives who are passionate about:

• Painting and drawing
• Photography and visual storytelling
• Writing, poetry, and creative expression

• Hands-on experience with various art forms and techniques.
• Field trips to galleries, museums, and creative spaces.
• Opportunity to showcase work in a final exhibition or presentation.
• Networking with artists and industry professionals.
• A fun, inspiring, and supportive environment to grow as an artist.

• Participate in hands-on art projects and workshops.
• Engage in discussions, critiques, and creative exercises.
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled field trips.
• Collaborate with fellow artists on group projects.
• Be open to learning new techniques and expanding artistic perspectives.
• Maintain professionalism, respect, and enthusiasm throughout the program.

Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold, and rain. Exposure to open water with variable conditions. Possible travel in PRCS vans for field trips.

• Must be between 14-17 years old. Candidate can be 18 as long as the individual does not turn 19 during the program.
• Must be a resident of Racine County (preference will be given to City of Racine Residents)

The application must be accompanied by:

• Typed Letter of Recommendation for a teacher, counselor, employer, minister, etc.
• Typed Essay (handwritten will not be accepted): 175-word essay explaining why you want to be involved in the Main Gallery program. Include why you feel you should be hired and what positive attributes you will bring to the program.
• Income Verification Form:
  Parent/guardian must complete the attached Income Verification Form. This information is required by the City of Racine for statistical purposes. All information will be kept strictly confidential. Acceptance to the program is not based on income level.

Expected

Work Schedule:

June 22, 2026, through July 31, 2026, approximately 6 weeks. Monday – Thursday with availability for possible weekend hours; 18-20 hours weekly.

Note:

If time conflicts exist that would cause an absence of more than two working days between June 22 and August 31, 2026, acceptance to the program will not be considered.

As part of this opportunity, all participants are expected to attend the Culminating Event taking place on July 31st, 2026. Additional details, including time and location, will be provided at a later date.

• Passionate about art, creativity, and self-expression.
• Committed to attending the full 6-week program with a maximum of two absences.
• Willing and able to attend scheduled field trips.
• Open to constructive feedback and willing to collaborate with peers.
• Reliable and responsible with meeting program expectations.

Duties involve the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking/running over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, kneeling, leaping, jumping down, standing in place or continual walking, lifting and…