Become an Apprentice!
The Apprentice Program (TAP) is a free program for creative high school students in the DMV who have a passion for visual arts. With a public art portfolio that dates as far back as 2003, Apprentices are either paid an educational stipend or can earn Student Service Learning hours (SSL). As an apprentice, you will train in art, job, and life skills while meeting and collaborating with creative peers. Many apprentices return each year to participate in the summer and/or school year programs to advance in their training.
Sign up to join this fun, creative team!
Who can apply:
- Current high school juniors or seniors eligible for SSL hours
- Has a passion for creating visual art
- Wants to share creative work and enjoys working in teams
- Can commit to our program schedule
When:
The 2025-2026 school year TAP session will start late October and go until mid-May.
Session will meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between 12pm and 6pm.
Where:
TAP will meet in person at our studio at 900 Wayne Ave, Suite 1A in Silver Spring, MD!
What will you do:
- Make new friends!
- Earn a stipend or SSL hours
- Strengthen your visual art skills (practice art basics like Elements of Art, Color Theory, and Composition)
- Learn a new visual art discipline—mosaic tiling (or strengthen what you know)
- Create a resume, practice interviewing and presentation skills
- Learn about a variety of creative careers from visiting professionals
- Gain valuable experience working as a team and collaborating on projects
How to Apply:
- First, you’ll fill out the online application. Remember that resumes are optional, but work samples are highly encouraged. Attach optional resumes and work samples when the application requests “Other Attachments, in JPEG, PDF, and PNG format.”
- Next, you’ll receive an email from Arts on the Block letting you know if you will advance to the next stage. Remember to check your email!
- The email will explain how to set up a virtual interview with the AOB Teaching Artist team – this is a low-stress way for us to get to know you, and for you to learn more about The Apprentice Program.
- During the interview, you will share some examples of your artwork and we’ll ask you some basic questions about your art interests and experience.
- After the interview, we’ll contact you to let you know if you have been accepted to the program.
