Teen CAOS
Teen CAOS is our arts programme for teenagers living in Sutton, now in its fourth year. Delivered as part of CAOS at the Corner Gallery.
Beyond artistic development, Teen CAOS provides valuable insight into the commercial side of the art world. Participants gain first-hand experience of how artists present, market, and sell their work, as well as an understanding of how creative careers can be sustained.
Jackie Khan, owner of the Corner Gallery, has been with CAOS from the start. In earlier years she hosted CAOS artists alongside artwork by local charity members before starting up Teen CAOS in 2021.
We asked Jackie 10 questions about her involvement in CAOS. Here are some of her responses:
1. What made you decide to take part in the first CAOS in 2017?
When I was approached by Neal & Helena Vaughan it all sounded so exciting I was definitely in based on their concept and enthusiasm.
2. How has Teen CAOS developed since CAOS17?
Teen CAOS actually started in 2021 as I'd changed premises and no longer had the lawn front to accommodate local artists and I kept being asked by teenagers if they could take part.
5. What does it mean to you to have taken part in all 10 years?
I love I'm still here 10 years in with the #teencaos programme. it naturally happened and I love that teenagers visit the gallery outside of CAOS asking advice and taking an interest in art.
6. What advice would you give to young artists thinking of doing Teen CAOS?
I would advise any young person who are thinking of taking part in #teencaos who have no preconceived ideas of what you think we need from you. Just come in with a passion for art and we will guide you through every step to get the best out of you. So, trust the process and definitely take part before you age out.
Orson Elliot 13
3. What do you think young artists have learnt from taking part in CAOS?
Young artists always tell me after taking part in the programme that they never realise the difference between what they drew, to selecting images and finishing a piece, to a higher standard for commercial sale. They've also had access through the mentors to full time artists and how they make a living through workshops, commissions, art exhibitions and third party sales.
4. What have you learnt from doing CAOS?
I've learnt that this grass roots community arts is far more successful than possibly other open studio events because the engagement with friends, neighbours, local businesses is incredible as they want the arts to flourish as much as we do.
“I love that teenagers visit the gallery outside of CAOS asking for advice and taking an interest in art.”
7. What do you think visitors enjoy most about CAOS?
its amazing how committted visitors are to see every location but I htink they enjoy that all this creativity is on their doorstep and usually its someone they know within the community bringing together more tiees.
8. How do you think CAOS benefits our local community?
Since CAOS began and its reputation has grown, anything to do with new artists moving to the area or people interested in art, they seek out the organisation for help and support. I love that. We now have a fantastic ARTS community that began with residents not council initiatives.
Lasna Sergeeva 14
9. Most memorable CAOS moment?
Most memorablee caos moment had to be NEAL VAUGHAN running up to our lawn 10 years ago with artists tents set up with a bottle of champagne at about 9am, so excited for the weekends ahead so he popped the cork and we all had a quick swig to kick it off. Very exciting!
10. What do you think will keep CAOS going in the future?
CAOS has already changed so much since 2017, its driven by new artists to the area and public demand so if this interaction keeps up who knows what the event will be like in the future. i'm already very excited about the CARSHALTON FESTIVAL running a programme of events parallel with caos. It only strengthens it.