Blue Sky Project invites professional artists and McHenry County teens to create new works of contemporary art. This eight-week Artist in Residence Program hosts artists who have a demonstrated commitment to innovation and exploration and are interested in collaborating with fellow artists and young people as a means of creating new works. In support of artistic experimentation and collaboration, we organize small groups of local teens eager to work with a professional artist, provide fees and materials to artists, and employ our facilities and staff to address the creative needs of our Blue Sky Project teams.

An artist-centered program committed to producing significant works of contemporary art, Blue Sky Project's mission is threefold:

• Provide an environment for the Resident Artists to extend their own exploration and studio practice in a unique collaborative setting with young people
  
  
• Use the contemporary art-making process to develop self-awareness, leadership, critical-thinking, and creative problem solving skills in the Youth Participants
  
  
• Enhance the cultural life of the community by bringing new art and new artists to McHenry County