An Intern’s Perspective on LAB 2025
Interview with LAB Interns Julian Henriquez and Ric Calix
Founded in 2010, Locust Art Builders: Summer Art Intensive for Teens and the simultaneous LAB MFA exhibition, summer internships and teaching artist summer studio residency programs are a core component of Locust’s commitment to support and mentor the next generation of artists.
As part of this commitment, we extend paid opportunities to high-school and college-level interns each summer to support the summer art intensive and exhibition programs. Interns are given project assignments during their time at Locust. Henriquez's and Calix's projects included documenting both LAB over the five-week installation for a behind-the-scenes look at the LAB experience and development of the students’ collaborative exhibition culminating in their final project - the LAB documentary video—which both Julian and Ric filmed, although Ric had a lead role in editing and Video Production. Both of our Interns had been previous members of the 2024 LAB Cohort, and returned as an opportunity to give back to LAB, and experience it again, albeit this time as spectators in charge of documenting the Process.
2025 Summer Interns Ric Calix and Julian Henriquez
Julian, thank you for this interview. It has been a great experience returning with you to Locust Art Builders, this time as the interns. As someone who documented behind the scenes of the creation of the exhibition, how would you describe the collaborative process the students had to go through? Can you describe what it was like engaging with the students as an observer?
J: The students definitely came into their own with time, and the way that they would collaborate with each other and settle into their strengths and place among the greater cohort truly made this year's LAB one well-oiled machine (no pun intended haha)
Ric, it has also been a pleasure coming back to LAB alongside you, again this time as interns haha. From what you’ve helped produce—the documentary video and the LAB blog—what was the most rewarding experience you gained?
R: One of the most rewarding things is being able to finally put my skills towards something that has genuine value to people. There are a lot of random things I know how to do that I have lying in the back of my head; I usually only edit videos to muck around and make something dumb for my friends to enjoy. Working on the documentary video, though, was just amazing, something I took so much pride in. I'd be editing clips together and the whole time I'd only be able to think "I cant wait for them to see this, they're gonna love it." (PS, I wanted to make sure the MUD workshops were a highlight in the video. I think people would really be appealed to learning blender and whatnot at a summer program)
CLICK to scroll through images of students building the show and the final exhibition:
How did you learn about the Locust Art Builders 2025 summer program and the internship it provided? Have you ever had a similar experience working as an intern or employee somewhere else?
J: I had heard of LAB from my teacher at the time and my mom, who encouraged me to give applying a shot. I wasn't confident at all in my work at the time, but I agreed and ultimately got in! It was an incredible experience and I got to meet many spectacular people, and I was ecstatic to return as an Intern in order to give back to the program that has given so much to me. I had had similar experiences before, such as being a part of PTAC over at the Peréz Art Museum Miami, but this is a whole different beast (in a good way!).
The students of the 2025 LAB describe that they saw LAB as an open space where they could express themselves freely and creatively. What do you think about this, and how do you feel about the future of LAB?
J: I completely agree, and can not recommend LAB enough to anyone, artist or not, because I truly think that it is a spectacular program and what they are doing (and have been doing for the past 15 years) is nothing short of extraordinary. I only foresee LAB continuing far into the future and inspiring hundreds of future artists to venture outside their comfort zone and make connections and memories that are unequivocally priceless.
Has the experience of interning at Locust Projects provided you with any skills you will use in the future?
R: VERY corny but not being afraid to be myself. Something cooler though, learning how to work with a camera has definitely been something that'll stick with me in the future. I was specifically told to capture joy and laughter while working here and I've noticed its rubbed off on me. when I'm hanging out with friends, I find myself subconsciously reaching for my phone camera to take pictures of them in the middle of laughing, and I have LAB to thank.
As a young artist yourself, what do you think about the LAB program’s mission to support the next generation of artists? Do you think the program has helped initiate, among young adults, more interest in the arts?
R: Yes, I think it totally has! when I did the program as a student, it definitely helped me prepare for AP Art. after growing sick of the class more and more though, LAB somewhat rekindled that interest I had in contemporary art.
CLICK to scroll through images of students building the show and the final exhibition:
What did you think about the final exhibition "Hypervigilance"?
J: I think the exhibition talks about something very present and relevant in our day to day lives, that being surveillance and overreach in all forms, and I love the fact that its the kind of show to really get people talking and start a dialogue, which I don't think a lot of exhibitions out there now pull off just how Hypervigilance does.
See how it all turned out! Watch the final documentary
produced by JULIAN HENRIQUEZ and RIC CALIX below!
About the Interns
Julian Henriquez
Julian Henriquez is a Rising Senior at Miami Arts Charter School, Studying Visual Arts. His practice focuses on memory, technique and experimentation. As a past LAB student, he was eager to return to give back, and hopes to continue his studies and develop his practice for years to come.
Ric Calix
Ric Calix is also a Rising Senior at Miami Arts Charter School, Studying Visual Arts. Ric enjoys working with character art, visual/sound design in video games, and enjoys dabbling in acrylic painting, among other mediums/
THE ARTISTS
Arianna Alarcon, Rodrigo Barrera, Mikaela Burgos, Vincent Collada, Olivia Collada, Sofia Dinamarca Toro, Daniela Gonzalez, Mia Hagymasi, Mia Kakalik, Olivia Lazo, Emely Melendez Yanji, Madison Schafer, Katherine Sosa, and Diana Zelayandia
LAB INTERNS
Julian Henriquez and Ric Calix (Miami Arts Charter)
SCHOOLS REPRESENTED
Miami Senior High School, Coral Gables Senior High, Design and Architecture Senior High, Palmer Trinity School, Terra Environmental Research Institute, New World School of the Arts. and Miami Arts Charter School
This year's LAB is led by an ensemble of Mentor Artists, Including: longtime LAB Lead Mentors, Loni Johnson and Chire Reagans; Rodolfo Peraza (MUD Foundation), Eric Hupe (Zuexis VR), and Cynthia Cruz, who provided hands-on workshops and digital curriculum; organizational and coordination support from artist and curator Melissa Wallen; and technical support from Miami Design Shop, in addition to Locust Projects team members,
including post LAB student and intern, Dani Pearson.
Celebrating its 15th year in 2025, Locust Art Builders: Summer Art Intensive for Teens, aka LAB, is a unique five-week pre-college program for up to 30 high school students with an interest in art, design, and exploring creative careers as they collaboratively build an exhibition from scratch. 2025 LAB Co-Directors/Lead Mentor Artists: Loni Johnson, Chire Regans aka VantaBlack, Rodolfo Peraza, Eric Hupe, and Cynthia Cruz.
2025 Locust Art Builders (LAB) Summer Art Intensive for Teens is made possible through lead support from the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, The Miami-Dade County Mayor Board and County Commissioners, The Children’s Trust; Susan & Richard Arregui; Diane & Werner Grob; The Kirk Foundation; and the INCUBATORS Friends of the Next Generation.