On Creating the LAB Documentary Video
Interview with LAB Interns Juliette Castaneda and Mila Angeletti, 2023 LAB Video Producers
Founded in 2010, Locust Art Builders: Summer Art Intensive for Teens and the simultaneous LAB MFA exhibition and residency programs are a core component of Locust’s commitment to support and mentor the next generation of artists.
As part of this commitment we extend paid opportunities to high-school and college-level interns each summer to support the summer art intensive and exhibition programs. Interns are given project assignments during their time at Locust. Castaneda’s and Angeletti’s projects included documenting both LAB over the five-week installation for a behind-the-scenes look at the LAB experience and development of the students’ collaborative exhibition culminating in their final project - the LAB documentary video—which both Juliette and Mila filmed, edited and sound produced. Our third LAB Intern Daniela Pearson was a past LAB student who returned because of their love of the installation process and was vital in supporting the student artists and assisting the Locust prep crew.
The students of the Locust Art Builders program posing in front of the “Family” section of their exhibition, Stronger on the Other Side, on opening night.
Photograph taken by Juliette Castaneda
Juliette, thank you for this interview. It has been a great experience welcoming you into the Locust Art Builders program as an intern. As someone who documented behind the scenes of the creation of the exhibition, how would you describe the collaborative process the students had to go through? Can you describe what it was like engaging with the students as an observer?
J: As you said I was an observer so I was able to see the artistic process through a different pair of lenses and that was really eye-opening for me. At first, I think the students definitely experienced difficulties collaborating since every student had different objectives and ideas regarding how they would encapsulate the theme which caused it to lack cohesion. However, they worked diligently and with the guidance of the mentors Chire Regans and Loni Johnson they were able to unite their ideas harmoniously, producing their amazing exhibition Stronger on the Other Side.
Mila, it has also been a pleasure having you as an intern in the 2023 Lab Locust Art Builders program. From what you’ve helped produce—the documentary video and the LAB blog—what was the most rewarding experience you gained?
M: Interviewing the students for the documentary video was definitely a valuable experience because I was able to understand the ideas and perspectives of each individual student. Not only did this allow me to better understand the personal connections each student had with the art being showcased in the exhibition but the knowledge I gained from the interviews showed me how all these points of views could be echoed through one collective work.
How did you learn about the Locust Art Builders 2023 summer program and the internship it provided? Have you ever had a similar experience working as an intern or employee somewhere else?
M: I actually learned about Locust Projects and the LAB program through Juliette, my fellow intern. She knew I had a love for art and film and with the experience I already had she introduced me to the internship. I have experience working in an environmental non-profit organization so what I was presented with during the LAB 2023 was something skewed more towards my passions and interests which made it entirely unique.
The students of the 2023 LAB describe that they possess the “power to explore the pressures in {their} experiences through art” and this exploration can be a “ therapeutic outlet for expression”. Do you think the LAB program allowed the students to strengthen this ability?
M: Yes, I believe this program helped the students understand how powerful art can be. Through my discussions with the students I was able to understand how nurturing this experience was. The students were guided by both Chire Regans and Loni Johnson who constantly encouraged artistic growth. It was under their guidance that the students were exposed to deep-seated group conversations, stimulating art workshops, and informative presentations done by local artists. Through each of these individual experiences the students began to develop their artistic voice. After all, they titled their exhibition Stronger on the Other Side, and I think that itself encapsulates how they saw themselves once the program ended.
Has the experience of interning at the 2023 LAB program provided you with any skills or knowledge that you will use in the future?
M: This internship has taught me many new skills. Firstly, it helped me refine my ability to document events and capture reality from the perspective of an observer which was rewarding since I’ve always been interested in film and the filmmaking process itself. Additionally, I also have interests in the liberal arts which include learning about art history, literature, and philosophy. Although this program allowed me to develop skills in a few of these subjects it fueled an interest in me to potentially pursue journalism.
As a young artist yourself, what do you think about the LAB program’s mission to support the next generation of artists? Do you think the program has helped initiate, among young adults, more interest in the arts ?
J: The team directing the LAB program has done an amazing job in supporting the next generations of artists. They are really invested in the youth and determined to motivate young artists in pursuing their dreams. As the program neared its end, every student seemed to have grown exponentially. The LAB program has without a doubt helped the current students as well as past students develop new interests in the arts. I, myself, believe that this program enhanced my love for art in an exciting way.
What did you think about the final exhibition Stronger on the Other Side?
J: The exhibition really reflects the students’ hard work and persistence. Every student in the program dedicated a lot to the creation of the exhibition. The exhibition is a collection of their ideas united in one space. Not to mention, the theme is clear and poignant throughout the course of the art space rendering the message impactful and lasting on the audience.
See how it all turned out! Watch the final intern-produced video created by Juliette and Mila.
About the 2023 LAB Interns
Mila Angeletti
Mila Angeletti, originally from France, is currently a rising senior at the Maritime and Science Technology Academy on Virginia Key. At school she directs her academic focus on literature and English. Outside of school, she expands her interest in the arts by reading up on art history and philosophy. She loves going to art museums and exhibitions where she can expand her interests in the arts. She plans on developing a degree in liberal arts and political sciences.
Since four years old Mila has co-managed, alongside her siblings, an environmental nonprofit organization named back2earth. She has always avidly supported environmental causes and hopes to continue this in the future. Mila is also a supporter of the arts and admires the initiative the LAB program promotes.
Juliette Castaneda
Juliette Castaneda is entering her senior year of high school at the Maritime Science and Technology Academy. As a board member for the art and drawing club and as a leader of the performing arts club at her school, Juliette focuses her studies on the arts. In her progression towards college she plans on majoring in art history.
Juliette applied for this internship to expand her commitment and knowledge surrounding local artists and the way they inspire communities. She aspires to work alongside artists in the future.
Daniela Pearson
A 2022 LAB student and one of this year’s LAB interns. She graduated from the STEM magnet school Barbara Goleman Senior High, and is heading to Miami Dade College to pursue her AA in environmental sciences.
Danny loves wandering around in the Everglades and learning about endangered and invasive species in the region. Danny is a talented artist too and her preferred subject is majestic dragons! She breathes life into artwork inspired by these mythical creatures like no other.
A total pro at supporting day to day activities as well as installation prep and support, Danny was eager to expand her knowledge, support our initiatives, and contribute her attentive approach to LAB.
Thank you Juliette, Mila, and Danny! It’s been a pleasure to meet and work with you this summer. You are all now official members of the Locust Projects family!
READ MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S LAB PROGRAM IN OUR FINAL REPORT!
Celebrating its 13th year in 2023, Locust Art Builders: Summer Art Intensive for Teens, aka LAB, is a unique five-week pre-college program for up to 30 high school students with an interest in art, design, and exploring creative careers as they collaboratively build an exhibition from scratch.
2023 LAB Co-Directors/Lead Mentor Artists: Loni Johnson and Chire Regans aka VantaBlack
2023 Locust Art Builders (LAB) is made possible through lead support from the Albert and Jane Nahmad Family Foundation, the Hillsdale Fund Inc, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor Board and County Commissioners, The Children’s Trust. State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture; The National Endowment for the Arts Art Works Grant; Additional support provided by Susan and Richard Arregui; The Kirk Foundation; and the Friends of the Next Generation.