LCAD's Professional Mentoring Program pairs fine arts majors with member galleries of First Thursdays Art Walk. Representatives from the galleries guide students through the fundamentals of exhibiting their work in the professional area and educate them about the business side of operating a gallery. With the exception of juried student exhibitions through LCAD’s satellite galleries, LCAD campus and the LCAD Gallery, many students have never exhibited their work professionally. Proceeds from the sale of student art will go directly to the student and facilitate future scholarships for students.
Torrey Cook, Gallery Director at Artist Republic said "We look forward to the mentor program every year. The students are wonderfully talented and the partnership gives a great opportunity for them to show their work to the public, as well as for us to get to know them. We always have so much fun!!".
Many LCAD Fine Arts alumni who have participated in the program have continued their careers with the mentoring galleries as exhibitors, assistants, installers, consultants and managers.