Young Artist Program (YAP)

Taller Puertorriqueño’s Young Artist Program (YAP) is for emerging artists ages 13–26 to learn, create, and grow. YAP provides opportunities to develop artistic skills, explore self-expression, and build pathways into Philadelphia’s creative workforce.

Through hands-on classes, mentorship with professional artists, field trips, exhibitions, and creative entrepreneurship opportunities, participants build the foundations of their artistic practices and connect with Philadelphia’s broader arts community.

The Young Artist Program has two components: Estudio and Photography Without Borders (PWB). Each program offers a distinct creative experience while supporting young people as they develop their artistic voices, portfolios, and professional skills.

There is one application for both programs. You can apply for both or just one of our programs.

Estudio

Schedule: Thursdays from 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: 2600 North 5th Street
Contact: Richie Lopez | RLopez@Tallerpr.org

Estudio is a free studio-based arts program for high school students. Classes are taught by practicing and teaching artists and are designed for students of all experience levels.

Through semester-long projects, students explore a range of artistic disciplines and develop their own creative practices. Past and current areas of study include fiber arts, ceramics, 3D art, and more. Classes are intentionally small with a capacity of 10, giving students the opportunity to receive individual guidance while learning alongside their peers.

Estudio provides most of the materials students need to participate in the program and creates opportunities to learn beyond the studio through field trips, visiting artists, exhibitions, and creative entrepreneurship experiences.

The program encourages students to take creative risks, develop their artistic voices, and explore the many paths available to them within Philadelphia’s creative community and workforce. Participants in Estudio must be currently enrolled in high school.

Photography Without Borders

Schedule: Wednesdays: 4–6:30 PM Saturdays: 11 AM–2 PM
Location: 2600 North 5th Street
Contact: Adam Cooper-Terán | act@photographywithoutborders.orG

Photography Without Borders (PWB) is a free photography and video program for young artists ages 14–26. PWB gives young people the tools and support to tell their stories through photography and video and share their work with a wider audience.

PWB is a creative community that encourages experimentation, inquiry, and self-expression. Participants develop both technical and creative skills while building a body of work that reflects their interests, experiences, and perspectives.

Students learn digital photography and photo editing, explore film and darkroom photography, work with professional equipment, and participate in workshops, photo prompts, competitions, and creative projects. Field trips and photo walks take students throughout Philadelphia, with opportunities to visit galleries, museums, studios, and other cultural organizations.

PWB also introduces young artists to the professional side of photography. Students develop portfolios, meet guest artists, gain professional development as artists and photographers, and have opportunities to exhibit their work, get published, and pursue paid photography opportunities and gigs.

The YAP Community

YAP is a welcoming, supportive space for emerging artists who are curious, creative, and committed to learning new skills, exploring new media, and developing their techniques. Participants come to YAP ready to show up, try new things, learn from others, and take an active role in their creative growth. Through consistent access to arts education, mentorship, and a dedicated creative space, YAP gives young people a place to build relationships, express themselves, and feel a sense of belonging.

Being part of YAP means committing to yourself, your work, and your cohort. Consistent attendance and participation help create a strong community where everyone has the time, space, and support to learn, experiment, and develop their practice. The program provides young people with a positive, structured environment where they can spend time with peers, connect with supportive adults, and engage in meaningful creative work.

You don’t need extensive experience or to know exactly what kind of artist you want to be. What matters most is your willingness to try, learn, and grow. Students in the program leave with a body of work they can add to their portfolios, as well as new skills, relationships, and a stronger sense of confidence in their creative voices.

Contact us!

Richie Wilde Lopéz | Special Arts Programs Manager | rlopez@tallerpr.org
Adam Cooper-Terán | act@photographywithoutborders.orG

Our instructors

Lead Instructor
Richie Wilde López

Richie Wilde López is a textile artist and the Special Arts Program Coordinator at Taller Puertorriqueño. They are the founder of Duende Textile Studio, and their work has been featured in galleries throughout Philadelphia and beyond. Richie leads Estudio YAP and Tramando, centering hands-on, community-driven art-making.

Guest Teaching Artist
Tito Caba (Neury Caba)

Tito Caba (Neury Caba) is a master tailor and fashion designer with over 17 years of experience in bespoke menswear and womenswear. As the founder of Caba Bespoke, he is known for precision craftsmanship, refined design, and deep expertise in garment construction and fit. He is a community advocate and former Estudio YAP student.

Interested in learning more about Estudio YAP?

After-school programs are provided to participants at an income-based rate. With one-time registration fee of $30.00, payable in person by cash, check, or credit/debit card. Limited scholarships and financial assistance options are available. Contact us about any financial assistance needed. If you are interested in enrolling your children, please fill out the form below and we will be in contact.

For more information, contact Richie Lopez at rlopez@tallerpr.org or at 215-426-3311

Accessibility

The building is wheelchair accessible with 48″ wide ramps and 40″ doorways. Bathrooms stalls are wheelchair accessible. We also have a bathroom with a changing table for parents with infants. We will make efforts to make programs and services available to all our patrons no matter their needs. Please contact us at 215.426.3311 to discuss accommodations.

Student Ambassador Program

To further leadership development, three senior students will serve as Estudio YAP Ambassadors, taking ownership of two key initiatives:

● YAP Blog: Updated and maintained by the Student Ambassadors, the blog will document student projects through images, writing, and reflections. This serves as a public record of their creative process and teaches digital communication and archiving skills.
● YAP Zine: At the close of each program year, ambassadors will curate a “best of” printed zine from the blog entries. Each student receives a copy, and one is archived in Taller’s permanent collection, giving students a tangible legacy of their work.

This ambassador program develops long-term project management, editorial, and leadership skills, while offering students autonomy and visibility in a public forum.

Phone

215.426.3311

Address

2600 N. 5TH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19133

Email

info@tallerpr.org