Mentorship Program

The BRUSH Mentorship Program is a cornerstone of the BRUSH experience. Each wall that is part of the festival has a pair of artists that work together to complete the wall. They are:

THE PRO

This artist has the knowledge, experience, skills and mindset to complete a mural start to finish. Additionally, for this festival, these artists have a mindset for and experience with working with other artists. Many, if not all, PROs are full time artists. The PRO serves as a lead artist and mentor through the BRUSH experience.

THE RISING STAR

This artist has entry-level experience in the arts, and may or may not have experience painting walls. Often, these artists have “side hustles” in the arts and an appetite for a career as a muralist or similar artist. The RISING STAR serves as an assistant and mentee through the BRUSH experience. They are primed to put all new knowledge and networking into action after the festival.

The mentorship program includes:

Paired Artists

  • An intentional pairing of a PRO and RISING STAR who will work together through the duration of BRUSH Mural Festival.

BRUSH-Hosted Artist Events

  • A formal meet and greet in which pairs meet and learn about one another

  • Orientation video calls for each group (PRO’s and RISING STAR)

  • Monthly check in meetings with Artist Engagement Manager

  • BRUSHWork 3-day incubator program (required for RISING STAR, optional for PROs)

  • A BRUSH happy hour prior to the start of painting

  • The festival celebration.

One-on-One Meetings between PROs and RISING STARs

  • Suggested topics for PROs and RISING STARs to talk through in their time together.

  • It’s strongly suggested pairs have meetings outside of formal BRUSH events to discuss these topics.

  • We recommend at least three one-on-one meetings prior to painting

The Mural

  • Two weeks of painting side-by-side, with the PRO being ultimately responsible for the completion of the mural, inviting the RISING STAR to work as many hours as possible as an assistant.

What it’s like to be a part of the BRUSH mentorship program …

“It’s been a dream to get to know and work with our Rising Star, Camila — and rising star she is! This woman is so excited to learn, to work, and to chat.”

Kait Klusewitz and Caroline Lampinen, Pros, BRUSH 2023

“Being part of BRUSH was a dream come true and I can’t thank everyone involved enough for this amazing experience. Being paired with and painting alongside Kait and Caroline felt like a whirlwind of inspiration and learning. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to work on a large-scale mural. The support, mentorship and warm camaraderie that I received throughout this process have been priceless!!”

Camila Leão, Rising Star, BRUSH 2023