Extended through June 5, 2022
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–6PM
Free admission

In an effort to maintain a safe space for all visitors, artists, and staff, Smack Mellon will continue to require masks, a photo ID, and proof of vaccination to enter its public spaces. For more information, please read our COVID Courtesy Code prior to your visit.

Smack Mellon is pleased to announce the opening of Art Ready: Selected Work from the Artist Mentorship Program. The exhibition presents the artwork of students who participated in the 2021-2022 session of Art Ready, Smack Mellon’s arts mentorship program for NYC public high school students interested in pursuing a career in the visual arts. This year, students worked with professional artists who specialize in drawing, sculpture, graphic design, architecture, textile art, and social practice. Included in the show will be an impressive range of media such as figurative drawing, painting, mosaics, bookmaking, as well as sculpture made from textiles, clay, wood, and plaster.

Art Ready engages young people in a way no other arts education program does—by pairing students directly with successful working artists. Mentors provide professional and creative guidance as the students make decisions about their futures in the arts. They tutor the students in their creative process, introduce them to new ways of working, and encourage critical reflection. Museum admission, mentor time, snacks, and subsidized transportation are all provided to students free of charge.

This year’s student artists came together from 11 different high schools and feature Amarah Azor, Sam Batutis, Angela Delgado, Arnsonia Demendonca, Kyrone Gladden, Samiha Islam, April Li, Sherry Lin, Aksel Mejia, Jhan Pier Motta, Katarina Ostrov, Lesly Palan, Isaiah Sison, Abel Uselton. 

This year’s Professional Artist Mentors were Oasa DuVerney, Florencia Escudero, Phillip Shung, Anne Wu, and Sage and Coombe Architects: Antonia Januzzi-Thomas and Charlotte Sie Wing Ho. 

Image: 2021-22 Art Ready students Angela Delgado and Jhan Pier Motta with their Mentor Oasa DuVerney.

Smack Mellon’s Education Programs are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, New York City Council Member Stephen Levin, and with support from Select Equity Group Foundation, Exploring The Arts and Smack Mellon’s Members.

Smack Mellon’s programs are also made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, and with generous support from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, The Edward and Sally Van Lier Fund of The New York Community Trust, Jerome Foundation, Lily Auchincloss Foundation, The Roy and Niuta Titus Foundation, Robert Lehman Foundation, Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation Inc., and Smack Mellon’s Members. 

Space for Smack Mellon’s programs is generously provided by the Walentas Family and Two Trees Management.

Smack Mellon would like to extend a special thanks to all of the individuals, foundations, and businesses who have contributed to the NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund.

In-kind donations are provided by Artist & Craftsman Supply, Costco, Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, Materials for the Arts, and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs/NYC Department of Sanitation/NYC Department of Education.