Junior Art Makers - JAM
(Fine Arts and Fashion Design)
Junior Art Makers, a fine arts and fashion business, allows youth to explore and share their artistic talents. More than 75 young people ranging in age from 14 – 18 participate in the youth art studio each year. Youth participants gain entrepreneurial training in order to market their products and services in the community, highlighting the value of their efforts and talent. The arts curriculum, which includes a six-week summer program, is integrated with pre-employment training in the areas of self- management, team building, problem solving and communication.
What I’ve learned about myself through OPP is how
to take criticism, work through differences, and how to be a leader 
Brandon Patterson
The JAM curriculum consists of basic arts training, incorporating instruction and working in a variety of mediums and techniques, including drawing, painting, collage, graphic arts, and murals. Opportunities have expanded to include mural painting, airbrush, and fashion design as part of its effort to be more engaging to the population JAM serves. JAM also creates a variety of other art-related products, including scarves, jewelry, and paintings. JAM designs holiday and note cards, and promotes entrepreneurship by holding sales events both in house and in the community.
Artistic Highlights:
JAM’s first mural project in 2003 was a waiting room in the Connecticut Children’s Hospital. JAM has since painted murals in the Hartford YMCA’s computer lab, one of OPP’s branch offices, and a Boys and Girls Club teen center in the city’s North End.
In 2005, JAM invested in sewing machines and added fashion design to its summer session. JAM youth held a fashion show at the Village for Children and Families where participants modeled original designs, and the next year showcased creations in a fashion show at Community Workforce Partner’s summer showcase.