"Freedom of Expression: Artists Incarcerated" 

Location

Center For Arts & Media, Edna Runswick Taylor Foyer

Opening Reception

April 3, 5 - 7 PM

On View

April 3 - May 28, 2025

Working in collaboration with the Salt Lake Valley Youth Center and local muralists, curator James Walton and criminal justice professor at SLCC Dr. Anthony Nocella organized workshops in early 2025 where youth who are experiencing incarceration collaborated to create large paintings for the exhibition "Freedom of Expression: Artists Incarcerated." The workshops were shepherded by local muralists Beto Sanchez Conejo (SLCC Employee), Chuck Landvatter, Matt Monsoon (SLCC Faculty), Brooklyn Ottens (SLCC Student), Chris Peterson and James Walton (SLCC Employee).

Note: youth artist names are omitted to protect their privacy.  

At the conclusion of the exhibit, these paintings will be permanently installed at the Salt Lake Valley Youth Center where they will provide inspiration and a welcoming, colorful environment for the residents and staff.

The local art community will get a rare opportunity to see paintings created by incarcerated youth and be a witness to their unique creative expressions. Experiencing these marvelous paintings offers a rare opportunity to deepen one's empathy for people who are experiencing incarceration within the criminal justice system. It encourages engagement with this population, offering a better awareness of their humanity and a more complete recognition of their inherent worth as members of our society. Come and see for yourself!