Arts for Justice Summer 2026 Showcase

On August 7, 2026, HANA Center's Arts for Justice youth apprentices celebrated the culmination of their program with guardians, friends, and community members, showcasing their artwork and sharing the stories behind their work.

Throughout the summer, HANA youth ages 14–15 from across Chicago explored storytelling, identity, community, and social change through art. Working with artists Michael Oliveros and Jeewon Han, apprentices developed comic books, scrapbooks, paintings, and other creative projects rooted in the issues and experiences that matter most to them.

Exploring topics ranging from child mental health to systemic oppression, HANA youth used art as a tool to reflect on their communities, express their perspectives, and imagine possibilities for change. Their work challenged them to experiment with new artistic practices while engaging with questions of identity and belonging, including one of the most fundamental questions we can ask ourselves: "Who am I, and what makes me 'me'?"

We are proud to celebrate our youth's creativity, courage, and thoughtfulness in this program. Thank you to our artists, families, friends, and community for supporting and celebrating their voices!

Are you a Chicago high school student interested in learning about the intersection of social justice and the arts? Join us this fall for this paid after school opportunity that explores art, activism, and community care through hands-on art making, researching, and other civic leadership opportunities. Apply