The mission of the Fuego Apprenticeship Program is to advance the character of individuals and connect them to their potential through vocational training, mentorship and art practice.

2020 APPRENTICE:
leonard fresquez
Leonard was recommended to Fuego through a new partnership with Gibbous Creative. Despite a history of detention and rehab, Leonard maintains a committed art practice and furniture resale business.
As an apprentice, Leonard learned new sculpture-making skills that supported an exhibition of his work. He brings his design background to Fuego by helping build-out a new lamp shop.
We're so happy to have you, Leonard!


2020 funderS:
various
In 2019/2020 Fuego's Apprenticeship program was awarded funding from:
NEW MEXICO ARTS
MCCUNE FOUNDATION
THE FUNd
MEOW WOLF DIY FUND
2020 partner:
GIBBOUS creative
Gibbous provides one-on-one confidential career support for committed artists at pivotal moments in their careers.
2020 work project:
LAMp shop
Fuego now has the set-up to help students build lamps. With access to tools, materials, and electrical know-how, students can make any kind of lamp!

2019 APPRENTICE:
KARIM WAFA
Karim came to Fuego through a partnership with Artful Life. As a refugee from Afghanistan, Karim is eager to learn new skills and participate in Albuquerque's creative economy.
He is learning various industrial art skills, helping with electrical needs at Fuego and even built some cool security window screens for his home.
Welcome to Fuego, Karim!


2019 funderS:
various
In 2019/2020 Fuego's Apprenticeship program was awarded funding from:
NEW MEXICO ARTS
MCCUNE FOUNDATION
THE FUNd
MEOW WOLF DIY FUND
2019 partner:
ARTFUL LIFE
Artful Life transforms communities through creative collaboration --professional artists work closely with community members over months and years to envision and co-create works of art.
2019 work project:
ELECTRICITY
Providing electricity to Fuego's third and final studio container requires digging, wiring, and safe electrical work.
bring the light!

2018 APPRENTICE:
BILL NOFSINGER
Over the course of several months, Bill learned welding, woodworking, glass, and multi-media construction.
His work was featured during the South Valley Studio Tour and at the Santa Fe Recycled Art Show.
Bill continues to work at Fuego as a studio artist.


2018 funder:
Mccune charitable foundation
Thank you to McCune for funding the pilot of Fuego's Apprenticeship Program. We couldn't do this without you!
2018 partner:
best chance
Best Chance helps formerly incarcerated men lead productive and rewarding lives while significantly reducing recidivism. They provide vital services, material support, referrals, information and training proven to reduce the stress of transitioning to “life on the outside.”
2018 work project:
ADA-complaint ramp
Building a ramp and parking space was a permitting requirement. We love how it changes the studio space and resonates with Fuego's goal to:
make art accessible to EVERYONE!