JAMS (Jobs in the Arts Make Sense)
Van Go Mobile Arts, Inc.

Colorful, high-quality public works of art have permanently transformed the landscape of Lawrence, Kansas. The credit goes to the young artists in the city's Jobs in the Arts Make Sense (JAMS) program. This yearlong program, developed by Van Go Mobile Arts, Inc., employs teens and young adults facing economic, educational, and mental health challenges to create community art projects that benefit both the participants and the community.

In partnership with the local school district and a variety of community agencies, each year JAMS hires underserved youth and young adults who not only create permanent, public works of art, but fulfill private commissions as well. Artwork from the program is also for sale to the public at the Van Go Gallery.

As part of Benchmark, the organization's signature program, local businesses, schools, and organizations commission the student artists to design and paint benches. Professional artists mentor the students through the completion of each project and teach classes in a range of media and techniques. Student artists follow a professional production schedule for each commission and are accountable to clients regarding the designs and timelines.

Among other projects are a commission from Lawrence's daily newspaper to paint all of the city's downtown newspaper boxes and large-scale mural projects for the public library, a mental health agency, and a number of local corporations. JAMS also showcases the students' work at two annual gallery exhibitions. In addition, the program features a range of arts and humanities projects, including dance performances and poetry readings.

The JAMS program is unique in combining youth employment, arts education, and leadership training. Participants receive recognition for their talent; rewards for their hard work; and, for the first time, opportunities to contribute to and transform their community imaginatively.