For students who are interested in art or a collaborative environment where they can partake in different projects and activities, Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Art Museum at Fort Lauderdale is currently looking for new members. NSU’s museum hosts exhibits for students and participates in activities where teen advisors can meet other teen advisors from different art museums, such as Pérez Art Museum in Miami. 

Just last week, NSU hosted the teen exhibit “Memory Soup.” Senior Yana Danzig, who is a part of the teen board, came up with the name. “It seemed like a perfect fit because we were all talking about art inspired by the old memories, whether happy or sad, that we hold,” she said. 

“The actual hanging of the artwork took four days with four people; however, the process began a while back, starting in December,” Lisa Quinn, who helped organize the exhibit and is in charge of the advisory board, said. 

The exhibition is one of the many activities NSU holds. Every first Thursday of the month, NSU Art Museum offers “Starry Nights,” an event that “provides unique opportunities for reflection, understanding and community unity through the arts, and encourages people of all backgrounds to come together to enjoy exhibitions, programs and performances free of charge.”

Leila Murray, who attends St. Thomas Aquinas high school and is a part of the teen advisory board, was able to take advantage of many of the museum’s resources. “I’ve been able to help bring two exhibitions to life, showcasing teenage experiences and work with the “Parrot Jungle” exhibition during my internship under a curator at the museum,” she said. “I’ve also been able to connect with other young artists and get exposed to different mediums and art styles.”

Murray would recommend that teens watch for the upcoming applications because “joining the teen board is a great opportunity to get involved in the art community in South Florida and learn more about art through being inspired by other artists’ work.”

 In the future, the NSU Art Museum is interested in expanding its opportunities. “We would like to offer students consolation prizes and to continue to create more opportunities for young artists and to expose our youth to career paths and opportunities in the arts,” Quinn said. 

_{Senior Leila Murray, who attends St. Thomas Aquinas high school, was inspired by her Chinese heritage for her works. In her AP Art portfolio, Murray explored her relationship to her culture and family. (Photo/ Kayra Dayi)}

_{Senior Yana Danzig, who is a part of the teen council, has her pieces displayed for “Memory Soup.” Danzig came up with the theme of Memory Soup which she viewed as a great fit “for pieces dealing with old memories.” (Photo/Kayra Dayi)}