What is TEENMADE?
Last fall we proudly launched TEENMADE—a rebrand of the After School Matters Gift Shop that elevates the voices and talents of our city’s teens. With a refreshed, dynamic visual identity, TEENMADE introduces a newly designed online shopping experience, featuring teen-made artwork and high-quality merchandise that showcase the incredible work of our young artists.
While selling teen art has been part of our mission for 34 years to celebrate and advocate for young people, we’re excited to have this new brand to help spotlight our teens’ amazing stories and talents. 100% of TEENMADE revenue is reinvested back into ASM programs, empowering young artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity.
Every teen in an After School Matters program receives a financial stipend for their participation, recognizing the value of their time and effort. Our expert instructors provide meaningful experiences that foster growth, helping teens explore their potential and shape their futures. Teens contributing to TEENMADE also receive a certificate recognizing their exemplary performance, which they can include in college and job applications.
In every ASM session, teens create incredible pieces across a wide range of disciplines from mosaic arts to perfumery. We are fortunate to collaborate with these talented creators and entrepreneurs to showcase their excellence through our online shop and pop-up events.
Here are a few of our standout programs that continue to create community-favorite pieces:
Click the photos to shop these unique creations and other products on TEENMADE’s website.
Stained Glass Program
Ruckus Entrepenturs Program
Metal Works Program
What Has TEENMADE Been Up To?
We kicked things off by giving back to the talented artists and innovators at the heart of TEENMADE’s mission. Our first apparel drop, the “I SUPPORT YOUNG CREATIVES” t-shirt, was given to teens at our three branch locations during surprise pop-up activations. These were amazing opportunities to spread the word about TEENMADE with current ASM teens and hear from them about what they’re interested in seeing and doing for TEENMADE.
Next, we celebrated Dia De Los Muertos with our first gallery event at Gallery 37, featuring a stunning photography series from the Digital Photography program, original horror short films from the Advanced Videography program, and a full music set from the DJ Fundamentals program. Teens were able to celebrate the holiday and experience a cohesive exhibition from their peers.
In November and December, we had the incredible opportunity to showcase our teens’ work at the Millennium Park Art Market and two Randolph Street Market public events! These events were a huge success, allowing us to connect and engage with the community. From teachers to former instructors, it was inspiring to share stories about our talented teens and connect with new supporters who are passionate about our mission. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue building a network of people dedicated to supporting Chicago teens!
To close the Fall session, we hosted the 77 Neighborhoods Gallery Event, a public exhibition that highlighted the diversity and culture of Chicago through teen-created art. Teens submitted art to be featured in the event and the chance to be selected to be made into TEENMADE products. With a focus on the unique perspectives of teens from neighborhoods all across the city, teens showcased their artistic interpretations, and through community voting at the event, three teens received “favorite artwork” awards. The event was an amazing opportunity to create a safe space for teens, parents, and community members to connect, experience art, and take part in art activations like face painting!
What’s Next for TEENMADE?
We’re now gearing up for our 77 Neighborhoods Collection drop! This collection features incredible photography captured by teens in the Experimental Photography program. Using traditional exposure techniques, these teens created breathtaking images that have been collaged onto our upcoming pieces, including the Cyanotype Hoodie and Darkroom Tote. We can’t wait for you to see the stunning work they’ve created! Stay tuned for more details and preordering information.
What’s coming up? TEENMADE will be hosting a Senior Gallery Night for our teens at Gallery 37 and we’re planning an Alumni Gallery Night this summer! We’ll also have some in-store shopping events and sales. Stay tuned for all the latest TEENMADE items from this Spring session, which will be available in early summer!
Make sure to follow TEENMADE on Instagram @shopteenmade for the latest updates and new products.