Chicago Park District Hosts Teen Art Exhibit at South Shore Cultural Center

Exhibit to Feature Art Inspired by the Shared Legacy of Anna and Frederick Douglass

Titled "The Making of a Man & The Acknowledgement of a Woman: An Exploration of the Shared Legacy of Anna and Frederick Douglass," the exhibit delves into the profound love, life and legacy of Anna and Frederick Douglass. The exhibiti will display selected works created over the past three years. Opening reception attendees can expect to see five original murals inspired by the historical couple, smaller scale sketches and ceramic works from this summer and from prior years, artwork developed from a 2023 partnership with Sisters in the Village, documentation from a partnership with Norman Teague and Dorian Sylvain and a photo exhibition from the cultural exchange trip taken by fellows to New Orleans earlier this summer.

The Chicago Park District's T.R.A.C.E (Teens Re-Imagining Art, Community and Environment) Community Curatorial Fellowship (TCCF) is a unique fellowship program focusing on youth visual artists to deepen their understanding of community.

This cohort has creatively interpreted the Douglass' mutual influence and indelible impact on American history. Through diverse mediums- including poetry, collage, painting, floral design, sculpture, iconography, musicianship and muralism, teens have explored and honored their enduring contributions.

"The Making of a Man & The Acknowledgment of a Woman" exhibit calls upon viewers to recognize and honor the contributions of women in the narratives of great men, ensuring that their stories are told with the full depth and context they deserve.

Opening reception is Saturday, August 17 from 1pm - 4pm.

The exhibit and opening reception will sit in the main gallery on the lobby level at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649

In addition to the year-round T.R.A.C.E programming, the fellowship works with a cohort of eight participants under the age of 18 over a three-year period. The participants work on a large-scale public art project each summer and culminate the fellowship with an out-of-town cultural exchange experience. Its overall mission is to create a critical framework for teens interested in developing a social practice to build tangible skills, grow as collaborators and produce a portfolio of works, making them competitive for furthering their education and employment opportunities in the field.