JAMESTOWN
– Paint CHQ is proud to announce the launch of its Paint CHQ Apprenticeship Program, a hands-on initiative designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experience necessary to develop large-scale murals.
Local artists who are interested in learning more about how to install a mural may apply to participate in the Paint CHQ Mural Apprentice Program. The Paint CHQ Mural Apprentice Program will offer aspiring artists an opportunity to garner valuable experience installing large-scale mural. Applications are now open and will be accepted through June 1, 2025.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Applicant must be 18 or older, or have parental permission
- Applicant must reside in Chautauqua County, NY
- Applicant MUST be able to volunteer some hours to this apprentice program during Paint CHQ mural festival: September 7 – September 13, 2025
“This is an excellent resume builder for an aspiring muralist,” said Alexandra Hall from A H Public Spaces Consulting, who’s been brought in to oversee the Paint CHQ initiative. “Apprentices will be paired with experienced muralists and asked to help assist in the mural installation during the mural festival. Apprentices may learn how to scale a design to fit a building, learn about different mediums, and expand their artist-network!”
Officially announced earlier this year, Paint CHQ is a new public art initiative intended to highlight and bring new interest to communities in Chautauqua County. The project is being coordinated by the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), in collaboration with the Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development. It will culminate with a County-wide festival the second week of September that involves the creation of large public murals in Dunkirk, Falconer, Sherman, and Westfield. As part of the initiative, Professional artists have been selected to create the artwork. Both the artists and the specific locations will be announced this summer.
The goals and purpose of Paint CHQ include highlighting community assets, embracing the value of public art investment, bringing visitors to Chautauqua County communities, encouraging economic growth, building a foundation for more public art investment, and improving quality of place.
To sign up for the Apprenticeship Program or to learn more about the Paint CHQ Festival in September, visit ChooseCHQ.com/PaintCHQ. Inquiries about the program can also be sent via email to project coordinator Rebecca Wurster at WursterR@chqgov.com, or call 716-363-3620.
About CCPEG – The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.