Locked Achievements: A Gallery of Work by Incarcerated Youth
- Elgin Smith
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative (SGLAI) is proud to present Locked Achievements, our first-ever public exhibition showcasing the creative work of incarcerated youth.
📍 Location: The Beautiful Cat Gallery (Visit Here)
📅 Exhibition Dates: February 22 – March 30, 2025
🖼 Viewable 24/7 as a window gallery at 1070 W Granville, Chicago, IL 60660
About the Exhibition
Curated by Nate Olison & Elgin Bokari Smith, Locked Achievements is a collection of poetry, visual art, and music created inside juvenile detention centers through SGLAI workshops. The title, chosen by the youth themselves, reflects a powerful truth: even though they are locked up, they are still achieving.
Through comics, paintings, lyrics, and poetry, these young artists share their dreams, struggles, and resilience. Each piece has been approved by the Juvenile Justice System, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the minds and emotions of those often unheard.
Why This Matters
SGLAI’s mission is to empower incarcerated youth through storytelling and creative expression. These workshops provide a rare opportunity for young people to produce their own music, publish their own comics, and share their voices with the world. Art has the power to heal, advocate, and inspire change—and this exhibition is a testament to that.
How You Can Support
🔹 Visit the gallery and experience these powerful works firsthand.
🔹 Check out the Locked Achievements publication, featuring a collection of the youth’s work, available for purchase. Proceeds support SGLAI’s programming inside juvenile centers.
🔹 Spread the word—share this exhibition with your community and help amplify these voices.
🎨 Come witness the power of art, resilience, and storytelling.
For more information about Locked Achievements and Stomping Grounds Literary Arts Initiative, visit https://www.thebcat.gallery/2025-exhibitions/stomping-grounds/.
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