St. Louis ArtWorks (SLAW) is a year-round job training program using art to teach essential life and job skills to underserved youth, ages 14-19. Programming takes place after school and Saturdays during the Fall and Spring program sessions, and Monday - Friday for six weeks during the summer. Youth apprentice work with professional teaching artists to create art, for commission and public sale. All apprentice works of art are either commissioned by local companies and organizations or made to for public sale and display.
Each program combines in-depth art instruction, with employment training, and life skill education focused on personal health, fiscal literacy, environmental stewardship and more. We also offer Art Therapy in group and individual settings that focuses on the well being of our youth.
In all programs, teens earn a stipend, are required to have a bank account, and attend financial literacy training. Activities such as client meetings, open house events, and public sales give apprentices a chance to practice presentation and public speaking skills and leave better prepared for the future with community contacts, resumes, and a portfolio of work.