The Southwest Organizing Project's (SWOP) Community Violence Intervention (CVI) team, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) in collaboration with member institution, Greater Southwest Development Corporation (GSDC), has launched an exciting 12-week art program for youth ages 15 to 21 called “Ripples of Hope”. Starting January 16, 2025, the program invites young people from across the community to gather every Thursday from 4 PM to 7 PM and Saturday from 1 PM to 4 PM to explore and refine their artistic talents. With guidance from renowned local Chicago artists, participants will delve into a wide range of mediums, including stenciling, printmaking, oil painting, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, spray painting, and canvas stretching.
Beyond developing technical art skills, the program fosters connection, creativity, and community pride. As the sessions progress, the young artists will collaborate to create a mural that represents their collective vision. This project is not just about art—it is a powerful opportunity to provide young people with a positive outlet, build relationships, and transform shared spaces with vibrant, meaningful artwork. By bringing youth together, SWOP-CP4P, and GSDC are investing in the next generation’s ability to imagine and create a brighter future for their community.
Armando Mancilla, Senior Case Manager for CP4P, had this to say regarding the program. “Last year we held a few events throughout our communities that allowed young people to come in and show what they were capable of through their art. It was a huge hit with a lot of people and some of the local artists we worked with were eager to continue to work with youth in the community. Art is such a powerful tool for people to utilize because it lets them vent out their desires, their frustrations, their hopes for the future and much more. Some people just like to do it because it feels good to see their hard work come together into something beautiful. We want to give youth a space where they can be the expressive artists that they want to be and learn from some of the best.”
