Buzz Lab Teen Collective | Plains Art Museum

Buzz Lab is an opportunity during summer 2025 for teens who are between ages 12-18 years old and passionate about art, science, and protecting the environment. Participants will dive into learning, creating, and advocating for the essential role of pollinators in a thriving ecosystem. They will work with scientists, artists, and community members to learn and discuss the importance of pollinators, create collaborative artwork, and participate in gardening and research in the Pollinator Garden at Plains Art Museum and other sites.

Buzz Lab applicants must be available for the following dates and times. Please include any current or expected scheduling conflicts in your application.

Monday, June 16-Thursday, June 19, 9 am-4 pm
Monday, June 23-Friday, June 27, 9 am-4 pm

Applications are due at 11:59 pm on Friday, April 18, 2025. Submit by:

Mailing to Attn: Chelsea Steffes, 704 First Ave. N., Fargo ND 58102
Email to csteffes@plainsart.org
Download the application here or complete it online below
Upon submitting an application, please confirm we received your submission

We will notify all applicants via email by Friday, May 9, 2025.

Minimum Requirements

Teens must be ages 12-18 on the first day of Buzz Lab (June 16, 2025).
Must be available June 16^th-19^th and June 23^rd-June 27^th from 9 AM-4 PM
Demonstrates enthusiasm and willingness to work as part of a team.
We encourage students interested in art, science, and the environment to apply, especially those who would be the first to attend college in their family.

Application support is available by contacting Chelsea Steffes via email csteffes@plainsart.org or phone 701.551.6110. Upon submitting an application, please confirm we received your submission.

2025 BUZZ LAB APPLICATION

Applications are due at 11:59 pm on Friday, April 18 2025.

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Items marked with an asterisk* are required.

I have participated in Buzz Lab before 2025 *YesNo

Full Name *

Preferred Name *

Pronoun preference

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP / Postal Code *

Email *

Phone Number *

Alternate Phone Number

Name of School *

Grade for 2025-26 School Year *

Date of Birth *

Age on June 10, 2025 *

Check this box if English is not your first language (this will not affect your application)English is not your first language

Languages spoken other than English

Please list any current or expected scheduling conflicts. Scheduled dates: June 16th -Thursday, June 19th and Monday, June 23rd -Friday, June 27th 9 AM-4 PM

PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION

Name *

Daytime Phone *

Evening Phone *

Email *

Financial Support as Needs-Based Stipend: Plains Art Museum is committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational opportunities. To support students experiencing hardship, we offer needs-based stipends. The stipend amount will be determined based on the group's needs, and selected applicants will receive full details before making their decision to accept. This will not affect the application.Check this box if the above statement reflects your student’s experience and that they will benefit from a needs-based stipend.

Transportation: Plains Art Museum organizes transportation to support students who could not otherwise participate in Buzz Lab due to transportation limitations. This will not affect the application.Check this box if the above statement reflects your student’s experience and that they will need transportation to participate in Buzz Lab

APPLICANT QUESTIONS

For this section, please choose to respond in written or video format. Written responses must be at least 150 words. Answer each of the following questions with thoughtful and authentic responses that provide our selection team with an understanding of who you are and your experiences. Answers to the questions must be written by the applicant.

1. Tell us why you are interested in being part of Buzz Lab with Plains Art Museum and what skills or knowledge you want to gain through this experience. *

2. How do you see art, science, and the environment in your community? *

3. In what ways can an art museum be a community center? *

4. How will your values and life experiences contribute to Buzz Lab? Share what creative and/or scientific talents, skills, and interests you will bring to Buzz Lab. *

VIDEO SUBMISSIONS

Use tools available to you (e.g. phone, laptop—high production value is not expected) to create a video no more than three minutes in duration. If you have questions about the requirement or have a barrier to producing the video (internet connection, equipment, etc.), please reach Chelsea Steffes at csteffes@plainsart.org.

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RECOMMENDATION (OPTIONAL)

Recommendation letters are highly encouraged, but will not negatively affect the application if omitted. Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, advisor, or mentor (not a family member). Please ask the person who is writing the recommendation to address the following questions in their letter, as well as anything else they’d like to share. Why is this person a good fit for this opportunity? • How has this person demonstrated interest in art, science, and/or the environment? • How could this experience help this person grow and expand their horizons? Recommendation letters can be dropped off or mailed to: Plains Art Museum, Attn: Chelsea Steffes, 704 First Ave. N., Fargo ND 58102, or e-mailed to csteffes@plainsart.org

CREATIVE SAMPLE (OPTIONAL)

Optional: We encourage you to submit an example of art, science, or other creative projects you have done relevant to this experience. It can be submitted as a document, a photograph, or a video. Video Submission: Use tools available to you (e.g. phone, laptop—high production value is not expected) to create a video no more than three minutes in duration. If you have questions about the requirement or have a barrier to producing the video (internet connection, equipment, etc.), please reach Chelsea Steffes at csteffes@plainsart.org.

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The 2020 Buzz Lab interns present GOODNIGHT EARTH, a project created by 2020 Buzz Lab interns in collaboration with fiber artist Quill River. The individual seed pillows were hand-sewn by interns, then stitched together into a collaborative quilt with the intent to interrupt the expanses of cement in our community. Pollinators, and specifically bees, can only travel up to 5 miles to locate food, water, or rest. This growing quilt intends to provide space for pollinators to find food and rest. If left to grow, over the next few weeks you will see wildflowers, lettuce, spinach, basil, and cilantro emerge.

Click here for the downloadable GOODNIGHT EARTH zine, with instructions on making your own seed pillow.

Visit the Buzz Lab Website!