High school summer youth employees contribute to education programs at Quincy Art Center

QUINCY — The Quincy Art Center welcomed two high school students, Ivy Liesen and Grace Messan, as youth employees this summer through the Illinois Arts Council’s Summer Youth Employment program. Both students played significant 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 farm. With a passion for mixed media art, photography and literature, Ivy immersed herself in the center’s creative environment. She worked with the education team, supervising art classes for children, preparing materials and taking inventory. She contributed to various programs all while aspiring to work in a non-profit organization similar to the Quincy Art Center in the future.

Messan, 17, is a student at Quincy High School with a lifelong interest in art. She attended classes at the Art Center as a child and returned to a more involved role. “The best thing about working at Quincy Art Center was talking to the kids (in classes), chatting with them, building rapport with students and learning 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, getting the chance to work with high school students again was wonderful,” she said. “Grace and Ivy were integral parts of our summer camp and community outreach programs. They both brought so much spirit and great work ethic to the table, and I wish them all the best as they go into their senior years of high school.”

She also acknowledged the vital role of the Illinois Arts Council grant in making this experience possible.

“It is really satisfying to watch our interns’ skills grow as they foster the development of artistic engagement in the youth who take classes and camps. We appreciate the Illinois Arts Council for recognizing this opportunity for intergenerational growth,” Roundtree said.

The Quincy Art Center plans to apply for the Summer Youth Employment grant again in 2025. High school youths can get involved at the Quincy Art Center by volunteering and entering the annual high school art competition, opening in February 2025. For more information, call 217-223-5900.