Artist in Residence Volunteer Program
For Middle School & High School Artists
Access Books invites aspiring middle school and high school artists to take on a creative, hands-on leadership role through our Artist-in-Residence program.
Artists-in-Residence help bring school libraries to life by painting murals that reflect imagination, reading, and the identities of the students who use the space every day.
This is an opportunity to grow as an artist — and as a leader — while contributing to a meaningful community project.
What Artists-in-Residence Do
- Learn mural design, planning, and painting techniques
- Help guide the creative vision of each mural
- Lead and support volunteer teams working on the mural
- Organize tasks and keep the project moving
Artists-in-Residence work closely with Access Books’ master artist during library refurbishment projects and serve as crew leaders, helping ensure that volunteers feel confident, included, and supported.
What You’ll Gain
Artists-in-Residence gain more than painting experience. Participants develop leadership, communication, and time-management skills while working alongside volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
Each mural becomes a permanent part of a school library — something students will see and enjoy every day.
Time Commitment
Artists-in-Residence commit to a set number of Saturday library refurbishment days and typically arrive by 7:30 a.m. to help prepare the space and materials. Specific dates and commitments are discussed in advance.
From a Former Artist-in-Residence
“I started in middle school with Access Books. I am certain that the experience I gained was significant in the many scholarships I received for college. I also gained communication skills and learned how to manage my time. The best part was contributing to the community.”
— Former Access Books Artist-in-Residence
Interested in Becoming an Artist-in-Residence?
If you’re interested in learning more about this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact: rebecca@accessbooks.net
Please include a brief note about your interest and any relevant artistic experience.