Core Studio Guild

The YA/YA Core Studio Guild is the heart and soul of our organization! It is inspired by the classic Artisan's Guild model, which develops professional artisans through formal and extended apprenticeships. YA/YA artists enter as Aspirants and move in calibrated steps through the ranks of Apprentice, Guild, and Senior Guild. Each new level brings added responsibilities and enhanced potential for personal, professional, and artistic growth. As they advance, artists gain control over greater percentages of their art sales and begin to mentor less experienced young artists.

Students can join YA/YA's studio guild as early as age 12, and many artists remain in the program through age 24, when they graduate from the Senior Guild. There is no cost to participants, and training includes intensive artistic experience in a wide range of expressive and professional artistic media, with all supplies provided. Participation in the studio guild also includes professional skills training and career development, including formal training in art pricing and marketing; art finances and taxation in art careers; curating; and career-building (interviews, resumes, networking, and portfolios).