Fouryouth expands offerings at new Superfine Lane location

If you live in Wilmington, you’re probably familiar with Fouryouth Productions — or at least the student-made pop art they sell at local art festivals and street fairs (also available anytime on Etsy).

The often-whimsical photo prints represent just one of the four areas Fouryouth teaches under-resourced kids — the others are science, engineering and culinary art, making it an all-around STEAM organization.

In the seven years since it launched its first program at Edison Charter School, its grown to include more students, lots of Art Loop exhibitions, event photography gigs and many healthy meals.

Last July, we told you about its forthcoming location coloon Superfine Lane. On Friday, April 20, it will finally have its grand opening, with a reception, art sale and tour of the newly-renovated space.

And it’s quite a space. I got a sneak peek inside the historic 18th-century flour mill that also houses Colourworks, overlooking the Brandywine River. You can learn about the history of this place, once known as Brandywine Village, in a free ebook available through the Delaware Public Archives, here. (Honestly, check it out. Lots of great old photos of downtown Wilmington).

The future conference room stores some cool pieces. (Photo by Holly Quinn)

The photo studio is large enough that Fouryouth will be offering something new: Rentable high-end studio space for student photographers.

“This will be the first studio space available to students,” said Nick Martin, a chemical engineer and Fouryouth board member who will have an office in the new space.

There will be a kitchen, of course, for culinary courses, conference spaces for brainstorming engineering and science projects, which are often incorporated into photography and cooking (think teaching acid-base reactions while making a lemon tart).

“Jungle” by Jairus Branch and Jontae Brown. (Image courtesy of Fouryouth Productions)

The exposed brick, beams and huge arched windows are a reminder of the building’s history.

When I was visited, it was still being renovated by members of the Challenge Program, a vocational training program for at-risk youth in Delaware, and on-track to be ready for the April 20 unveiling.

If you’re interested in getting involved with Fouryouth, as a program sponsor, guest speaker, or if you’d like to inquire about applying for the program or renting studio space, click here.