ARTS EDUCATION
The professional-level creative opportunities offered by Stomping Grounds help incarcerated youth build resilience, cultivate self-determination, and develop practical skills essential for a successful reentry into society.
Creative Writing - Level 1
In this small-group, seminar-style workshop, youth develop both technical and creative writing skills. The program emphasizes authentic self-expression, empowering participants to narrate and navigate their internal and external experiences. Opportunities include print publication and musicalized recordings of their work.
Visual Arts - Level 1
This course introduces youth to a variety of 2-D and 3-D art forms, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, digital rendering, and graphic design. Participants explore the fundamental elements of art and design, applying these principles to create both decorative and functional works of art.
Audio Engineering - Level 1
Youth explore the essentials of audio recording, mixing and mastering, music composition, beat production, and DJ mixing. The program provides hands-on training in industry-standard techniques, equipping participants with the skills needed to pursue careers in audio engineering.
Independent Study Mixed Media - Level 2
This open-studio course is designed for advanced Stomping Grounds LAI artists who wish to develop an independent project. Participants submit proposals for projects in visual arts, creative writing, or audio engineering and receive constructive peer and instructor feedback every five weeks. They create supply lists, maintain progress journals, and work toward completing a polished piece to share with the broader community.
DJ Masterclass - Level 2
This advanced audio engineering course focuses on the technical skills and artistry of DJing. Taught by a professional DJ, the class is open to high school graduates or youth who have completed Stomping Grounds Digital Audio Production workshops and demonstrated advanced motivation and technical competencies.
DJ 1Solo is a music professional with a passion for creativity and a commitment to excellence. Born from Chicago's vibrant music scene, he founded 1Solo Studios to craft transformative musical experiences.
As the lead sound technician for Stomping Grounds Audio Visual Productions, DJ 1Solo brings high-quality sound and visuals to life.
Starting as a student and lead DJ at Stomping Grounds Open Stage, he honed his craft over the years, earning a degree and professional certification in audio production.
Believing in music's power to connect and inspire, DJ 1Solo engages audiences with his dynamic artistry. Explore 1Solo Studios to discover his journey and creative vision.
Teaching Artist Apprenticeship - Level 3
This program is designed for high school graduates who have participated in Stomping Grounds workshops as teaching artist assistants. Apprentices receive training and work alongside teaching artists to: Lead check-ins, Take attendance and manage attendance records, and Document and track class progress.
Participants in the apprenticeship earn post-secondary enrichment credits while gaining valuable experience in arts education and classroom management.
Stomping Grounds AVP Certification - Level 4
The Audio Visual Production (AVP) Certification is a specialized course designed exclusively for carceral students who have graduated from high school. This program equips youth with both technical and interpersonal skills, preparing them to excel as production assistants for live events. Participants will gain hands-on experience in audio/visual installation and production techniques while also contributing to the development of course curricula for Stomping Grounds AVP.
Graduates of this program are guaranteed paid opportunities as audio and visual production assistants upon reentry into their communities, providing a pathway to meaningful careers in audio engineering and event production.
Ready to take the next step? Click here to apply.
Artists in Residence
Visiting artists collaborate with youth for up to 10 weeks, sharing technical skills and fostering the development of lasting techniques that participants can pursue independently. This initiative builds on the curricular innovations of accomplished young artists showcased at Stomping Grounds Open Stage events, who have inspired peers to take creative risks.
This year, youth engaged in four transformative workshops with renowned recording artists and creatives:
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2 time Grammy Award Winner Che "Rhymefest" Smith
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World Renowned Arts and Label owner Substantial
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Activist and musician Damon Williams Jr.
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R&B singer Vee Armstrong
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Hip Hop artist John, the Author
Annual Arts Exhibition
Stomping Grounds hosts annual arts exhibitions to celebrate the creative work produced in our spaces. These exhibitions showcase student artwork, offering a platform for young artists to display their talents and receive recognition. All artwork displayed must be legally authorized for release by both the student and the carceral facility. The artwork belongs to the youth who created it, and any compensation received will be directed back to the youth's account if still incarcerated, to their family upon request, or reinvested into the organization to support future anthologies and creative projects.
In February 2025, SGLAI premiered its first-ever gallery exhibition and published catalog, Locked Achievements, in partnership with Beautiful Cat Gallery and Optimus Comicx. The exhibition later traveled to Curt's Café, a workforce training space for youth impacted by incarceration, where two featured students were employed and helped install the exhibition, seeing their own work displayed while reporting to work each day.
Everyone’s Voice Matters
All contributions are valued, fostering inclusivity and respect.
Respect the Mic
Ensure everyone has the space to speak and be heard without interruption.
Speak Peace, Not Hate
Promote a positive, constructive environment for growth.
Make Mistakes
Learning comes through trial and error; mistakes are part of the process.
Just Try
Effort and participation are key, even if perfection isn’t expected.
Consent is Key
A clear “yes” is essential, and “no” must always be respected.
Respect the Space
Leave the space, both physical and emotional, better than you found it.
Classroom Values
Classroom Creed
I will maintain peace, love, and respect for myself and everyone around me.
Paz, amor y respeto por mí mismo y por todos.
Ashe, Ashe.
We are here to create community.
We are here to manifest love.
We appreciate.
We nurture.
We strive to uplift our community.
We work to improve ourselves,
So that we may grow
For the next generation.
I am a scholar.
I am a revolutionary.
ASÉ (And so it is). ASÉ.