Of course no one wants to work.

But why wouldn't you want to work if you can make money painting a handbag or a public bench?

That's the philosophy behind Van Go Mobile Arts, a youth employment program for high-needs Douglas County teens. It's also what attracted Kirstin Wiegmann, a former Van Go volunteer who is now a part-time employee for the program.

"I like coming to a job where people are concerned with how everyone is doing and we make art together," Wiegmann says. "It's kind of self-explanatory - look at this place."

Indeed, the mission statement of Van Go is painted all over its exterior in bright rainbow colors. Inside, the atmosphere is just as charged as bubbly teens sift through art supplies and make chit-chat with volunteers.

"We pay attention to where the kids are at and what's going on emotionally and trying to keep up with that," Wiegmann says. "The main thing that is pushed here is good work skills - learning how to work well with other people."

Many of Van Go's artists (ages 14-21) live amidst poverty, homelessness and/or the juvenile justice system. Some also have educational or mental health disabilities.

"If you really get involved, you get involved in their lives too," Wiegmann says. "They bring it to work so you hear it."

Each year Van Go hosts four "JAMS" sessions for its artists to create commissioned artwork. The vibe is generally relaxed, but the goal is always in sight.

"Everyone knows their job and there's not a whole lot of room to slack off," Wiegmann says. "The bumpers are up - you're not going to fall down very easily here."

The most important quality that Van Go volunteers should exhibit is self-motivation, Wiegmann says.

"It takes awhile to fit in the groove because everyone's so busy doing their thing," she says. "No one's going to tell you what to do; you have to be able to find your niche and go with it."

"It's not like you have to stay if you don't like it," she adds. "Stick it out for awhile and see."