East High Sophomore Terilynn Zimmermann Makes Bold Strokes at the Contemporary Art Museum
East High Sophomore Terilynn Zimmermann Makes Bold Strokes at the Contemporary Art Museum
East High sophomore Terilynn Zimmermann has been chosen as an intern for the St. Louis Contemporary Art Museum’s (CAM) dynamic New Art in the Neighborhood (NAN) program! This incredible opportunity will immerse her in the vibrant world of contemporary art.
“First of all, I am honored to be in the program,” said Terilynn. “It is such a wonderful place. Our teacher is awesome–she is a multimedia specialist who has done acting, released music, and made movies.” Terilynn added, “The museum itself is awesome! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this and experience all that we have planned. I think what I am looking forward to most is the opportunity to observe a professional artist at work and learn from the experience. This will assist me in what I do with my art.”
“In our sessions, we move. We warm up physically, engage the senses, discuss art through the body, and think and heal together,” teaching artist Ahlam Kamis explained. “Students are asked to participate in creative mind mapping projects, immersive installation artmaking, and are encouraged to try new materials and mediums regularly. The space is one of integrity, freedom, and play—where these young artists and cultural workers learn to reclaim their bodies, their artistic visions, languages, and histories.”
Debra Shobe, Visual Fine Arts teacher at East High, has played a pivotal role in Terilynn’s success through her unwavering dedication to nurturing creativity and inspiring students to embrace their unique perspectives.
“Terilynn had creativity in her artwork; I saw it right away,” Shobe shared. “I want her to gain an experience and level of creativity that she has never experienced in her life; an experience she can get and use throughout life to expand her artistic abilities.”
On Saturday afternoons, NAN will host the twelve-week residency from September 13 through December 6, where up to 15 teens, selected through a competitive application process, receive pre-professional-level art instruction from resident teaching artists, museum staff, and visiting artists.
Project-based learning combined with open studio exploration will inspire students and introduce them to new art practices. This approach will also create experimental and supportive environments that cater to artists of varying skill levels and backgrounds.
The Hazelwood School District is excited about Terilynn Zimmermann’s internship with the Contemporary Art Museum and looks forward to Terilynn moving in the right direction with her artistic talents.