The LAB brings together a diverse group of high school-aged aspiring artists from schools across Miami-Dade County for a four-week Summer Art Intensive for Teens where they learn to build an exhibition from scratch. Under the direction of Miami-based contemporary visual artists, Monica Lopez de Victoria, Francesco Lo Castro and Maitesojune Urrechega, The LAB is a unique, hands-on opportunity that allows student artists to widen their perspectives, gain new skills, connect with their peers, and meet local artists, collectors and arts professionals from throughout South Florida.

The artist-led instruction at Locust Projects is complemented by guided field trips to local arts institutions and artist studios, as well as a series of talks by invited speakers from the Miami art community and a special Mentor Breakfast where students get to meet and greet artists, teachers, area arts professionals and other community arts mentors. All students receive full scholarships to attend The LAB. The LAB experience culminates with a public opening reception for the student-created exhibition, where students’ parents, teachers and friends are invited to celebrate alongside the students and Miami’s art community.