We wrapped up the Fall Session with a series of vibrant showcases across the city — a chance for teens to share what they learned, created, and accomplished over the past 10 weeks. From South Shore to Edgewater, in between and beyond, young people stepped into the spotlight to demonstrate the skills they’ve built in programs ranging from painting to martial arts, digital media to perfumery. Their work reflects not only artistic growth, but confidence, collaboration, and real-world skills they’ll carry into school, college, and future careers.
Across our sites and beyond, teens transformed studios and performance spaces into galleries, theaters, and demonstration labs.
Gallery 37 Showcase
At Gallery 37, teens turned studios into a bustling arts hub, presenting work that highlighted both their creativity and technical growth this session.
- Clay & Sculpture teens exhibited expressive 3D works made from clay, recycled materials, and mixed media.
- Creating with Scent invited guests to sample custom perfumes designed from scratch.
- Mosaic Arts Exploration artists debuted personal projects and shared plans for larger pieces that will be installed in the Orleans Teen Center.
- Digital & Darkroom Photography teens displayed portraits, landscapes, and cyanotype prints inspired by Chicago.
- Advanced Drawing & Painting Portfolio featured vibrant nature scenes, portraits, and conceptual works.
- Printmaking teens offered live screen-printing demos and gifted hand-pulled designs to guests.
- Advanced Video Production premiered original short films in the Gallery 37 Black Box Theater.
- HHW Vocal Ensemble filled the space with holiday music.
- Poetry Lab participants shared powerful spoken word pieces.
- Martial Arts (MMA) teens performed sparring, striking, and grappling demonstrations with confidence and discipline.
Lutz Showcase
At the Michael and Karyn Lutz Center, teens delivered a dynamic mix of presentations and hands-on activities that showcased both artistic talent and emerging career skills.
- Pop Kulture Choir performed powerful a cappella renditions of popular songs.
- UpBeat Music teens delivered energetic performances of rock classics.
- Latin Dance showcased a series of school-inspired routines—from majorette moves to homecoming slow dances.
- Cooking & Baking offered build-your-own bowls, aguas frescas, and sweet treats crafted by young chefs.
- Welding teens exhibited intricate handmade metal roses, created in collaboration with the Chicago Bulls as a tribute to Derrick Rose.
- Painting & Drawing, Mosaics, and Fashion Start-Up hosted hands-on workshops where guests created their own art pieces guided by teen ambassadors.
- STEM in Healthcare teens practiced taking guests’ blood oxygen levels and heart rates.
- Gardening teens presented a blooming collection of plants they successfully cultivated throughout the Fall Session.
Gately Showcases
At ASM at Gately Park, a two-night celebration brought together performances and exhibitions that captured the unity and creativity of this South Side community.
Night One
- Nu Sounds kicked off the evening with high-energy music that kept the crowd moving.
- Les Enfants brought holiday cheer with Santa-inspired outfits and a lively dance performance.
- Advanced Visual Arts teens hosted an impressive gallery walk.
- Braidology demonstrated professional-level braiding techniques.
- Gately Teen Leadership presented their entrepreneurial business plans.
- Culinary Arts served lasagna bites and holiday desserts that delighted audiences.
Night Two
- Design.Build.Grow.Eat displayed flowers and plants cultivated through their aquaponics system.
- Building Leather Bags impressed guests with stylish handmade crossbody bags.
- Asante Dance captivated the audience with two dynamic routines—one ballet-inspired and one rooted in African dance traditions.
These showcases not only celebrated teen creativity — they highlighted the power of safe, supportive spaces where young people can grow, be themselves, and share their stories.