WARM Links
The WARM Mentor Program
About the program
The WARM Mentor Program was founded to ensure that women are full participants in the development of the visual arts and culture in their communities and society. This program responds to unique challenges women artists face., such as balancing professional life with family and community responsibilities; redressing women artists historic under-representation in the public eye by promoting strong female artist role models; supporting diversity in artistic expressions by women; and establishing financially viable careers.
The Mentor Program is designed for the serious artist who is in the early stage of her career. Each participant pairs with a professional woman artist or Mentor for a two-year term beginning in January, 2005. Mentors serve as role models for their protegees, sharing their wisdom and professional skills and providing supportive critique. Since the program was founded in 1982, it has served more than 350 women artists. Many have gone on to make significant contributions to the arts.
Program benefits
The program capacity is 25 Mentor/Protegee pairs. It offers:
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An individualized approach to artistic growth. Each Protégée directs the process of selecting her Mentor, identifying her goals with the Mentors help, and tracking her progress.
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A firm foundation upon which to build an ongoing professional support system.
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Workshops on general career development issues for artists, such as exhibiting, finances, and developing peer critique groups.
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Training in the Critical Response method of obtaining feedback on art work.
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Professional exhibit opportunity for Mentors and Protegees in the fall of 2006 featuring work created during the program
About the mentors
Mentors come from diverse backgrounds and bring various skills from university, traditional and other training. They are selected on the basis of their desire to pass on their knowledge to developing artists, their support for WARMs mission and purpose, and their record of excellence in professional artistic achievement.
Estimated Program Cost and Time Commitment
The WARM Mentor Program tuition of $1500 includes
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$1,400 payable to your mentor in installments.
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$100 nonrefundable Program Fee payable to WARM
For the Program Fee, WARM will accept $50 plus 7 hours of volunteer service in lieu of the $50 remaining balance. -
Exhibition fee in 2006 of at least $25
Some partial scholarships may be made available, depending on program funding.
Mentorship teams arrange to schedule 40 hours of contact time over the course of the two-year program cycle.
They also participate in workshops, critiques, networking events, the final exhibition, and a program evaluation.
How to Apply
Download an application form the WARM webiste, thewarm.org or request an application packet from WARM by calling Mentor Program Coordinator Judy Bracci at 651/459-2725, or by leaving a message at the WARM office, 651/292-1188.
Applications will be accepted through Nov. 15, 2004.
As a prospective protégée, you are encouraged to find out all you can about the mentors before you apply. You can research the in the following ways:
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Attending the 2005/2006 Introductory Event held Thurs. Oct. 21, 2004 during the exhibition for the 2003-04 Program at Phipps Center for Arts, Hudson, WI. Meet the Mentors and participate in a Q & A discussion with participating artists to help you decide whether the WARM Mentor Program is right for you.
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Checking the WARM website or visiting the WARM office to view slides of Mentor art work and review Mentor profiles.
The WARM office is located at 550 Rice Street, St. Paul, MN 55103. Viewing hours will be arranged during the application period. -
Viewing the 2003-04 WARM Mentor Program exhibition at the Phipps Center for Arts, Hudson, WI, Oct. 1-31, 2004. The exhibit features work of Mentors and their current protegees.
- Gallery Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 4:30 pm; Sun. Noon - 4:30 pm
- Opening Reception: Oct. 1, 6-9 pm. Artist Talks Sun. Oct. 17 [tentative date]
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Checking WARMs website, thewarm.org; WARM-ups the organizations bimonthly newsletter, and/or joining WARMs email listserve for information on programs, exhibitions, workshops and creative projects in the community.
Mentor Interview period: Nov. 12 - Nov. 30, 2004.
Arrange for personal interviews with mentors during the interview period. Through interviews, the process of forming the Mentor/Protégée teams takes place. Teams will be finalized by Dec. 15, 2004.
If scholarship funding becomes available for the 2005-2006 Program round, Scholarship applications may be submitted by Mentor/Protegee teams between Dec. 1 and Dec. 17, 2004.
For more information, please call Judy Bracci, Mentor Program Coordinator, 651/459-2725