On my first day in the studio of ArtMix I met a boy by the name of Alex Smith. He was the first student I spent a longer period of time with. In the first encounter, we were equally instructed by the current teaching artist, Emily to make these items. I didn’t know it until after, but this TA is trying to figure out how to apply Alex’s skills and abilities to our Urban Artisans program’s work environment and product creation. 

  Urban Artisans is one of five programs that ArtMix runs throughout the calendar year. I think it’d be fair to say, this is the top program that we are known for throughout the city. ArtMix prides itself on working with all people of all abilities. In community class, participants come and go as they please every Wednesday. However, UA is a more specific program, which intends to assist 16-21 year olds to transition from an education oriented student to a more workforce minded capable young adult and potential employee. So, the students in the UA program actually have an internship where they receive checks and they come in to work according to their assigned schedule, no matter their level of ability. On a weekly basis, most of our TAs are investing in the UA program day to day more often than not. This being so, the ArtMix gallery is primarily UA creations that are put together by several students.

  So, on that day, Alex and I worked on an untraditional piece that a TA thought of specifically for Alex. I’m not certain how long Alex has been with ArtMix, but on that day, I spent the entire morning with him. At first we talked a little, but as the day grew later, he spoke less and for that matter, he worked less too. 

  Since that initial day, I’ve learned that ArtMix tends to work with ceramics, illustrations and felting. However, this past week, a TA, Carrie, was on vacation, therefore the week could be labeled a little more untraditional than most. On one of the days, Ms. Beverly visited and worked with students in the morning. Ms. Beverly is a local actress who teaches in addition at various camps and programs, ArtMix being one. The TAs assigned students to work with her, me being an intern to participate and assist. Ms. Beverly and I had two sessions that morning. 

  In the second session my friend, Alex, was present. Alex is a difficult student to work with. He listens to instruction and his actions prove that, but often when given a piece of clay or a paper and pencil, he’ll make his own thing, which tends to relate to a transformer. Additionally, when sitting with the entire group, Alex will often act. I’ve never really understood what he’s acting out, but he’ll speak and move his body as if he’ s in a performance. 

  So, last Tuesday in the second session, Alex along with approximately 7 other students and myself partook in Ms. Beverly’s activities. Eventually, we got to the part where we were to draw a card with an action or feeling and one person is to act that out, it’s basically charades. Knowing Alex, I was thinking he wouldn’t want to participate or be in front of people, but I was aware of his ability to act, just through observing him and listening to the TAs about him, so I was curious as to how Alex would respond with this activity. 

  At first, he stood there with his paper that said “surprised”. Eventually, I entered his scene and I knew how to help. After seeing his paper, I held my hands behind my back and I explained to him that the best box is behind me, it’s a wrapped transformers gift. I “handed” it to him and Alex intricately grabbed the box, held it with one hand, opened it and began his scene. In a very real way, one in which I could not have done better myself, Alex acted out being surprised by the gift from his own perspective. 

  Without a doubt, this will be my favorite memory from this summer. By simply doing my job, being observant and working to genuinely understand the population I encounter everyday, I was able to watch someone excel at something some people wouldn’t even attempt. After his scene, Ms. Beverly was astonished by his acting, Alex was smiling from ear to ear and I was SO proud of him. 

  There’s so much I’ve learned from Alex and every other student I’ve met, but this moment in particular reinforced an ArtMix goal of never giving up on these individuals, even if it is a silly ice breaker game. Beyond that, I’m reminded of how much value everyone holds, no matter their diagnosis or capabilities, everyone can do something that’ll knock your socks off, exactly like Alex did last Tuesday.

 

*Names were changed to maintain privacy*

So far, my CAPS experience has really pushed me out of my comfort zone. Through the entire application and interview process, the idea of potentially finding another temporary home, moving to Indianapolis and everything in between has made me feel unnerved. I am happy to be a CAPS Fellow, but I have definitely experienced the discomfort of growing pains here in Indy. Nonetheless, 20 days into my CAPS experience, I’m beginning to reap the rewards of powering through these uncomfortable but positive times of growth.

During my time at ArtMix, I have contributed to and observed the behind-the-scenes of a non-profit organization. While I am already learning a lot from this internship, I have also faced challenges. From learning to communicate my needs in an office environment to meeting the demands of my superiors, I have learned how to have tough conversations, while also being the best team member I can be. I have been lucky to have great leadership at ArtMix who have given me guidance along the way.

Being able to have these direct and honest conversations has always been something I’ve struggled with. For example, when I worked in fast food, I maintained a position at the window, day or night, rain or shine, or even in winter storms. Back then, I was never willing to talk to my advisors about my expectations and my preferences. Even in March, during the interview process for CAPS, someone asked me about a time I encountered conflict. I managed to answer the question, but I was unsure of how transparent I could be. At that moment, I knew this is one skill I would like to work on: being open with my advisors and mentors. So, I am beyond thrilled that through my internship, I have had productive conversations with my supervisors that have led to positive outcomes. 

My time in Indy has also been uncomfortable in the sense that it is 124 times the size of my hometown. Meaning, my time here has been overwhelming. I’m used to having fewer options in restaurants, less traffic lights and a higher speed limit. This new atmosphere has been exciting, as it’s introduced me to Indian food, walks downtown and some amazing new food spots. However, it’s hard being in a city where everything is unfamiliar, and simple activities can be challenging. For example, my roommate and I tried going on a bike ride through the city our first week, and we got so lost we needed our other roommate to come pick us up!

These past three weeks have been a big gulp of discomfort to consume, but with my roommates, cohort and time at ArtMix, I’ve been able to collect memorable moments and valuable lessons. I understand now that it’s good to feel uncomfortable; it just means I’m growing. In this situation, that means I’m growing in my relationships, problem-solving skills, navigational skills, flexibility and my ability to address difficult conversations.

This blog post comes to you in two parts. Firstly, one of the most awkward friendship-based situations, in my opinion, is listening to friends talk about inside jokes without being in on it. It’s fun for a couple seconds, of course, because there’s excitement and laughter, but then again, there’s accidental exclusion. So to prevent that possible feeling, I would love to share some of the jokes and lessons from this summer.

 

Me and Katy, a previous CAPS Fellow who now works at ArtMix, welcoming guests to the Art and Home Tour.

 

1. The Byrd Family

Though the Indy CAPS Fellows grew closer day by day through dinner time, there was some general, low-key disconnect due to everyone knowing one another to varying degrees. One day, one Fellow showed up late to dinner and the light-hearted dramatics that ensued afterward centered around a husband showing up late to a wife’s home cooking (stereotypical scenario definitely noted). From this moment, each CAPS Fellow took a role in the family, namely a father, mother, fraternity son, hipster daughter, and an outspoken aunt. Sure, we were acting and having fun, but thinking more about it, I think friendship includes things like how we could easily adapt, make light of a mistake, and use our imagination. At the end of the day, friendship should be a relief and a joy, and these qualities helped make it that.

 

2. Cowboy and Roller Derby Names

Have you ever thought of what your cowboy or roller derby name would be? Well, my cowboy “God-given name” is Wilhelmina “Willie” Buford (named after an Ugly Betty character and a Forrest Gump character). Again, this is another silly, imaginative game of sorts, but these names and other answers stemmed from out-of-the-box questions that sparked dialogue… and a good time. Questions, whether they’re serious or not, are much better at growing friendship than back-and-forth statements. While this should be a given, questions really helped us bond and reflect more about ourselves and other topics.

 

3. Hive Mind

Over the course of the summer, as my suitemates and I spent more time together, we noticed a trend where we would say things in unison (“…we finish each other’s sandwiches”, “that’s what I was gonna say”). Let me just say that this is one, a super awesome phenomenon, but also two, a really neat indicator of closeness. It wasn’t that we were getting predictable, but more so that we simply spent enough time together to “get” one another. Time, I’ve found, is a precious thing. Usually, I think about the time around New Years, the end of the semester, my birthday, and even a death. But time can also be seen as a gift, as a glue, and not just an hourglass. Maybe viewing it as such could change a mindset.

Perry’s drawing of our apartment cohort!

 

4. Dungeons and Death

If I was asked before this summer if I wanted to play Dungeons and Dragons, I probably would have said no, not because I was unaware of the game, but because of the stereotypical associated audience. After watching The Big Bang Theory and peering to see fellow Valpo students engage in a story, I didn’t feel like it would be the game for me. But after a Fellow talked about it and explained the game, I became interested and together, we roped other Fellows (and each of our friends… and my boyfriend) into the game. Because of D&D, I learned that opening my mind and being receptive to a friend’s interest can be fruitful for all parties: I gained a new interest and experience while they felt appreciated.

 

5. The Grate

One day, the Indy gang was walking around and decided to come inside due to an approaching storm. But because there wasn’t any rain yet, we decided to keep walking. Nearly one minute after this group decision, a Fellow heard ducks crying out from somewhere. We all searched for the ducks until we found a family of ducks in a sewer grate. Working together, one of us went in the grate, three of us chased the confused ducklings, and the other one of us guided the ducklings back to the mother. Many things this summer required teamwork, such as moving one another into the apartments, but this one was for sure the cutest and most anxiety-inducing moment. Teamwork, in short, makes the dream work. On a less cheesy note, working together really does produce results, especially when everyone’s on the same page. And yes, we did save the ducks!

 

  

Some super cool art featured at Buckingham Companies’ Art and Home Tour.

 

Second, it has been a busy time since the beginning of July. ArtMix has held two main events, an Art and Home Tour (2 of 3), which is a set of events that bring guests into residencies that collect art, and the Arts for All Fest, a celebration of our students and the ArtMix community. Both went swimmingly thanks to behind-the-scenes work, volunteers, and the amazing attendees. Though these events are very different in nature, they both create a community for ArtMix and continues the ArtMix vision. I am grateful to have surrounded myself in such a positive environment, a philanthropic, kind, and generous environment that is inevitable at such an organization. Though my job was tedious and sometimes tough, it was all the more worth it to help ArtMix. I know it is cheesy to say that everything happens for a reason, which is one of my frequent sayings, but I firmly believe that this summer has helped me bridge junior to senior year and think more deeply about vocation.

 

The ArtMix family featuring administrative staff, two interns, and our volunteer of the year.

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