one thing leads to another

earlier this year, i was contacted by a girl named Kristen that i met through MNZero puzzle quests, to help create a game for the Walker Art Center’s Teen Art Council. WACTAC, as they are known, is a group of 12 teens, who create events to connect teens to contemporary artists. it’s a really interesting and diverse group of kids who are all into art. they wanted to create an outdoor game for their big spring event. Kristen and i worked with the teens to create a game called Friend Request, which is based on facebook and social networking. it included puzzles, drama, real life poke wars and running around the city. we took their ideas and turned them into something that would hopefully be both entertaining and interesting.

the day of the event, was quite rainy and chilly. so we remapped the entire event that morning to make use of the Walker’s indoor spaces. sadly, only half of the teens that registered braved the weather. those that came out seemed to have fun, but since they were no longer running around the city, it took them a lot less time to complete the game. it was still a fun event, and i really enjoyed working with the teens, but i hope we get a chance to put it on again.

just before the event, i noticed a job posting for a Teen Program Fellow. after the fun i had working with them, i knew i had to apply. i also hoped that my recent experience would give me an “in”. and it turns out, it probably did!

i start my new position tomorrow. it is a fellowship, so it’s not quite a normal job. it’s part time and lasts for one year. i don’t know what all my days will entail, but i do know: i get to work with teens, i get to work in the art world, i get to work with interesting people, i get to bike or walk to work (until the snow makes it too hard), and i get to work at the walker! i am seriously excited!