QUINCY — The Quincy Art Center welcomed two high school students, Ivy Liesen and Grace Messan, as youth associates this summer as part of the Illinois Arts Council’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Both students played important roles in the education department, assisting with summer youth classes and community outreach initiatives.
Liesen, a 17-year-old student at Central High School, comes from a rural area where her family runs a cattle ranch. With a passion for mixed media art, photography, and literature, Ivy immersed herself in the creative environment of the center. She worked with the education team, supervising art classes for children, preparing materials, and conducting an inventory. She participated in various programs while aspiring to work in a nonprofit organization similar to the Quincy Art Center in the future.
Messan, 17, is a junior at Quincy High School and has had an interest in art her entire life. She took classes at the art center as a child and returned to a more involved role. “The best part about working at the Quincy Art Center was talking to the kids (in class), chatting with them, building a relationship with the students and finding out what they like,” Messan said in a press release.
Director of Education Rachel Roundtree expressed her appreciation for the interns’ contributions.
“As a former high school art teacher myself, it was wonderful to be able to work with students again,” she said. “Grace and Ivy were an integral part of our summer camp and community outreach programs. They both brought so much drive and a great work ethic and I wish them all the best in their senior years of high school.”
She also acknowledged the critical role of the Illinois Arts Council grant in making this experience possible.
“It is truly gratifying to see the skills of our interns grow as they foster the development of the arts engagement of the youth who participate in classes and camps. We are grateful to the Illinois Arts Council for recognizing this opportunity for intergenerational growth,” said Roundtree.
The Quincy Art Center plans to apply for the Summer Youth Employment Grant again in 2025. High school youth can get involved at the Quincy Art Center by volunteering and participating in the annual high school art competition beginning in February 2025. For more information, call 217-223-5900.
