Make Space
Meaningful mentorships since 2008
Make Space pairs 18 sixth-grade girls—all of whom attend Anna Julia Cooper School in the East End of Richmond—with 18 women for a year of mentorship and art-making. VisArts launched the program in the fall of 2008, then called Space of Her Own, and since has impacted the lives of more than 300 women and girls. Make Space is an affiliate member of the Virginia Mentoring Partnership.
Together, Make Space mentors and mentees create art together throughout VisArts’ studios. The artwork the pairs make together—like hand-sewn pillows, wheel-thrown clay vessels, lanterns, glass light catchers and self-portrait paintings—are saved until our year’s end celebration, when the girls take the art projects home to decorate their own cozy space! The work results in 18 colorful and inspiring rooms that give each girl a space to make her own.
Make Space offers two sessions a year, for 12 weeks each: our fall cohort meets from October – January, and the spring cohort from January – May.
At Make Space our goals are to provide access to meaningful arts experiences, provide creative outlets to promote self-confidence, promote a positive future orientation, and foster a mentoring relationship with a caring adult. Our art workshops also provide girls an opportunity to practice topics explored in our “Girl Talk” life skills sessions such as self-esteem, communication, teamwork, self-efficacy, and perseverance.
In addition to meeting with the girls, mentors also attend their own training sessions once a month throughout the year. These sessions are led by guest speakers from organizations that serve youth in the Richmond community such as Mentor Virginia and SCAN, and are designed to expand the mentorship skills of each woman.
See the program in action by following Make Space on Instagram: @makespace_visarts
Become a Mentor
Current opportunities
Applications are open! Apply to be a mentor this fall and/or spring. VisArts is looking for women ages 21+ interested in supporting local 6th grade girls. You don’t need to be an artist—just someone who can be a friend, a partner in growth, and can dedicate their Thursday afternoons for four months of mentorship. VisArts encourages all women to apply and will prioritize applications from BIPOC individuals.
Fall Session: October 2, 2025 – January 29, 2026
Spring Session: January 28 – May 21, 2026
View the Make Space calendar for 2025–2026
We’re looking for applicants who are:
- enthusiastic about working with young people
- dependable with a positive attitude
- open to new experiences
- interested in serving their community
- committed to consistent attendance
Mentor Benefits:
- Supporting, guiding and building a trusting relationship with a young person
- Building community with other women from around the city
- Art-making workshops and reunions
- Enhanced leadership skills
- Trainings around relationship building, positive youth development, trauma awareness
- Gift certificate for a free multi-week class at VisArts
Mentors must have the capacity to commit to:
- Weekly classes on Thursday evenings from 3:30 – 6:45pm during each session period
- Five training sessions during the program
- One potential weekend day for a Mentor + Mentee “Hang-out day”!
Questions?
Contact Liana Elguero, our Community Programs Manager at [email protected].
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"Girl Power"
Make Space was highlighted in Richmond Magazine among other local mentorship programs helping young Richmonders to become leaders.
Read more
Become a Sponsor
For Make Space to be successful, VisArts needs both monetary and in-kind donations. Companies have donated everything from fabric and paint to photography supplies and bed frames. We recognize all our sponsors in Make Space’s print and web materials, and sponsors are also invited to the closing ceremony, which is held in May.
