Meet David, our new communications intern!

What did you studying in school?

I just graduated with a Bachelors of Science in the Communication Studies Major at Towson University.

What are your future plans/goals?

My dream is to become an author, and share stories professionally. Until then, I want to work in Non profit, and build experience

Why did you decide to intern at BYA?

I wanted to get active in the Arts while helping others. Baltimore Youth Arts is an amazing program, and I’m so excited to work with artists of every age, and get their stories out there!

What are you hoping to gain and learn through this internship?

Ideally I want to learn how to operate with an amazing team, develop my own professional skills, and help my community.

What is something you like to do in your free time?

I love reading, writing, doodling, and cooking! I play tabletop RPG games like dungeons and dragons too!

Share a fun fact with us!

I have switched majors a few times, so I have experience in professional culinary work, and medical experience too!

Inside BYA's New Training Program, C.O.R.E.

Since September of this year, BYA has been offering a new career readiness training program to youth around Baltimore. Funded through the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development initiative “TrainUp”, C.O.R.E. (Careers, Opportunities, Resources and Education) provides foundational support for youth 18-25 who are looking to take the next step in their careers. Over the course of the first session this fall, CORE participants have been able to update their resumes, draft elevator speeches to prepare for networking, practice job interview skills, learn the fundamentals of money management and financial literacy, explore careers that align with their strengths and interest and learn best practices for applying and keeping jobs.

Through the program, BYA is partnered with several certificate training programs in a variety of trade industries including:

  • Pharmacy

  • Manufacturing

  • Hospitality

  • Automotive

  • And many more!

  • Healthcare

  • Biotech

  • IT

  • Transportation

  • Construction

So far, BYA has primarily focused on reconnecting with alumni that were connected to the organization as far back as 2015 (when BYA was founded!). Alumni have since completed CORE’s first session and excitedly applied to join trades that range from an industrial sewing program to a hospitality training academy and an auto mechanic certification program. We are looking forward to beginning our next session this winter with an orientation scheduled for January 9th! If you are interested or know someone who is please encourage them to apply at: https://www.bmoreyoutharts.org/apply-to-bya-core

From Apprentice to Instructor, Get to Know Jewel Branch

I am Jewel Tiara Branch, a 23 year old collagist from Baltimore, MD. I first volunteered with BYA as a studio apprentice back in 2020 and had the privilege to come back this year as an instructor!

What medium/s of art do you practice?

I am primarily a collage artist but I also paint, write, draw and make jewelry.

What made you interested in art originally?

I like to tell people that I came out of the womb with a crayon in my hand. I have been making art my entire life. it came to me instinctually. when words fail to register, my art speaks for me. I think I am especially drawn to it as a manifestation of a feeling or idea brought into the physical world…I feel that creating is truly an act of love.

Artwork by Jewel, currently available on her website artbyjeweltiara.bigcartel.com.

What has it been like transitioning from an apprentice to an instructor at BYA?

For me, the transition was simple. As an apprentice, we were given opportunities to lead conversations, instruct material, connect with each other and much more, which were all skills I later used as an instructor. I felt fully supported from the BYA staff as well, which is always an incredible feeling.

What brought you back to BYA?

I wanted to express my gratitude for the program and staff by giving back to them. I feel passionately about supporting our youth and uplifting our communities so I wanted to assist in creating a safe space for the students to express themselves and flourish in their creativity. For me, BYA felt like the perfect place to do so.

What are your future goals/plans - related or unrelated to art?

My ultimate goal is to travel the world making and sharing my art. For someone to look at my art and feel seen or inspired to make their own would be a dream come true. But honestly, just waking up and having the means to express myself is such a privilege that I feel that I am already living the dream! Just making art that I love is all I could ask for.

Where can people support/follow you?

My instagram @jeweltiarab is both a personal page and an art page (sometimes I have it on private, but don’t let this deter you- feel free to message me on there!) I also sell prints and posters on my website artbyjeweltiara.bigcartel.com. Lastly, I can be reached via email - jeweltiarab@gmail.com. I greatly appreciate the support! ❤️

Meet Our Intern Favour!

Meet Favour, BYA’s newest intern from Towson University. Favour is supporting database management and analysis alongside BYA’s deputy director. Get to know Favour more below!

What are you studying in school?

I am currently an Information Technology Major at Towson University.

What are your future plans/goals?

A couple of goals I have would be to graduate with my Bachelor's degree with my Security+ and CYSA+ certifications under my belt! In the future, I plan on becoming an IT Risk Analyst or a Security Engineer.

Why did you decide to intern at BYA?

I decided to Intern at BYA because I wanted to work for an organization within my community. I've grown up in Baltimore for the majority of my childhood and being able to help the youth in my community whether it's from the front end or in my case the back end would be fantastic! Not only for the experience and for utilizing the skills I have learned so far but also for being able to be a key part of the team that helps BYA stay organized.

What are you hoping to gain and learn through this internship?

From this experience, I hope to learn how to integrate my current skills into the workplace. I also hope to gain experience with working with a team in an environment that is virtual while also being able to keep up with the demands of my position and completing my own personal tasks. But most of all, I want to be able to come up with new ideas that will help improve BYA in the long run!

What is something you like to do in your free time?

During my free time I love to read, catch up on Tv shows, make DIY projects and take random adventures with my friends. Our last adventures took us to Assateague Island which is not too far from Ocean City and Mclean, VA.

Share a fun fact with us!

A couple of fun facts about me would be that I was born in Tel-Aviv, Israel, I know how to knit and I recently started learning how to play guitar.

Summer 2022 Showcase!

Can you believe it’s already time for our summer showcase?

We are so excited to invite y’all to our Summer 2022 Showcase! Our Studio Apprentices have been hard at work and have learned so much in these past 5 weeks. They have created amazing artwork that will be displayed throughout our studio space here.

Come out to celebrate our youth and their accomplishments and hear from them about their inspirations behind their work. Hope to see you there!

Showcase Details:

August 5, 2022

1:30-3:30pm

3rd floor, 10 E North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202