After a week of immersive learning and hands-on artmaking, the students of this year’s Teen Artist Residency Program (TARP) will present their original artwork in a special culminating exhibition at the Ellen Noël Art Museum. TARP is a unique, intensive summer program designed to provide young artists, ages 13–17, with an enriching opportunity to grow their skills in a museum setting under the guidance of a professional artist.

This year’s resident artist is Doylene Land, a Midland native and accomplished visual artist with a strong background in inclusive arts education. Land’s artistic practice focuses on both oil painting and mixed media works that incorporate found materials, hand-dyed fabrics, stitching, and layered textures. During the weeklong program, participants will not only explore her signature techniques but also learn how to develop their own creative voice.

TARP students are selected through an application process that includes a letter of recommendation and, in some cases, interviews. Once accepted, students dive into daily workshops with Doylene, where they are introduced to new media, conceptual approaches, and in-depth instruction. The program is structured to simulate a professional studio environment, encouraging participants to experiment, take creative risks, and push their technical abilities while also engaging in dialogue about artistic intention and interpretation.

The final student exhibition is a celebration of each teen’s artistic growth and dedication. Throughout the week, they will have developed a cohesive body of work to present publicly—a rare opportunity for young artists to showcase their creativity in a museum setting. Friends, family, and museum visitors will be invited to view the exhibition and support the next generation of artists.

This experience offers far more than technical skill-building—it fosters confidence, artistic identity, and a deeper understanding of the creative process. We can’t wait to see what this talented group of emerging artists creates during their time at the Ellen Noël Art Museum.