Now Hiring Teens for the Summer!
 

Graffiti Zone is providing a fast paced multi-media, visual and performing arts program, in which youth are exploring a myriad of media, subjects, and story-telling methods including: creative writing, poetry, spoken word, script-writing, improv, View Points for acting and composition, Dance, Mural design/execution, canvas framing and stretching, acrylic, aerosol, watercolor, pastes, abstract, realism, surrealism, 3-d design, shape and form, etc. While making art, youth learn to become your own best advocate and speak about their art, and themselves, with an aim to eventually make a profit. The pieces created are showcasing and on sale by the youth at Graffiti Zone's 7th annual Humboldt Part Art Fest. Apply here. 

 
Update: West Town Academy Partnership
donnell and freddy
Thanks to the West Town Academy partnership we have Freddy and Donnell (WTA 1st Cohort) on board to help facilitate Open Studio Sessions as paid interns for 10 hours a week. Freddy and Donnell have been great assets to the organization with their hard work and dedication to serving with the community. Thanks to this partnership and as the 2nd Cohort finish their job training, two new teens will soon have the opportunity to intern with Graffiti Zone to further programming capacity.
 
  
Coalition for Juvenile Justice National Conference in Washington D.C.
As part of the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission Youth Advisory Board, Miguel was chosen to present on the services and practices that Graffiti Zone provides with the community at the  in the nation's capital. Organizations throughout the nation gathered for the three-day conference to share recent projects aimed on preventing juveniles' involvement with police and detention facilities. Miguel met with Chicago Congressmen's office to advocate for juvenile justice as well as meeting with the US Department of Education Officials to advise the decision-makers on innovative education strategies implemented by Graffiti Zone. Check out the presentation here. 
From John Lennon Portrait goes back to Colorado with Bonnie (Painted in Washington DC by Miguel)
New Director of Programming: Miguel Rodriguez

We are excited to announce our new full-time Director of Programming, Miguel Rodriguez who is cycling out of the Artist in Residence Program. Miguel began his artistic endeavors by organizing the annual Graffiti Showcases at the Logan Square and Little Village Skate Competitions from 2007-2011 as part of a youth leadership council which he also views as an art form. After receiving his diploma from Lane Tech College Prep in 2011, Miguel placed as an Ally with AmeriCorp under Public Allies Chicago, where he served with 2 community organizations, BUILD, currently in the Austin Community, and the Gary Comer Youth Center in the South Side of Chicago, as an Art Instructor and Youth Leadership Council Coordinator. During this time, Miguel received a Balanced and Restorative Justice Award from the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center from Judge Wilson for his work with marginalized youth. Miguel's leadership was recognized by First Lady Michelle Obama during her visit to GCYC during the 2012 NATO Summit as well as having been featured in the White House Council for Community Solutions video presented to the nation's political leaders. Appearing regularly on WYCC TV Channel 20 during re-accruing community commercials expressing his origins in art and juvenile justice, several of his students recognize him when they first meet him. He plans on continuing his career in arts programming as well as furthering his education in Fine Arts at Columbia College. His greatest dream is to see the creation of community-based Arts and Space Exploration Academies that are 100% self-sustainable so that they may transform communities throughout the world. Find out more about Miguel.
Artist-In-Residence
Sponsors
Graffiti Zone's Artist-In-Residency has received our first $1,000 sponsor. Melissa Seil, thank your for your support and for believing in our mission! We are looking for 29 more $1000 sponsors. This will help continue the great work the Teaching Artists are doing in the Humboldt Park Neighborhood. Want a tour of the residency or interested in becoming a resident  click to learn more


Check out the latest stories with GZ.
 
 
Youth Organizations helping to curb Gang Violence- with BUILD participants
  

Graffiti Zone
832 N. Ridgeway
773.319-3112
 
Art Making and Art Promotion for Youth

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