Englewood Art Center Showcases Expressive Summer Group Exhibition
Written by Kelsei Brianna
Published on August 6th, 2025
A fresh art space on the South Side of Chicago opened in February this year. The Art Center of Englewood has been bustling with youth, art, and passionate programming this summer. The art center served as a second home for five young artists over the last six weeks.
Family, friends, and community members gathered at 748 W. 69th St. to celebrate the exhibition of Pour Minds: Creativity Through Self Expression. Stepping upstairs and into the main floor of the art center, viewers were immersed in color, collaborative pieces, and art that tells stories.
“It is very important to us as artists and parents, to teach our children that this is how you can provide for yourself,” said Dionne Victoria, The Art Center for Englewood owner. “My son has already sold art, and he has been published online. So, we definitely believe that children cannot be absent from the arts, especially from our arts, because we’re parents.” said Victoria.
The walls on the main floor are segmented by the field trips the artists led in their community. Partnering with organizations like Imagine Englewood if and Camp 1302, campers created line paintings to tackle expression, sat in on tuning fork sessions to associate sound with art, and splashed their emotions onto canvases. Through each section, pieces that incorporate different themes were strung around the space. A sky of love was painted through red electric signals — similar to EKG monitors. Bleak emotions stared back at viewers on moody faces while loops and lines danced across purple and yellow gradients. Shades of blues, pinks, and oranges marbled on canvases that took the shape of a heart.
Much of the art aligned with a theme of “identity, healing, and transformation” spoken through young southside Chicago artists.
The group of artists who worked closely with The Art Center of Englewood found a new voice for themselves. What they could not say with words they said in the language of art, poetry, community, and leadership. Ranging from 16 to 20-years-old, these five artists showcased pieces that they completed over the summer. Many pieces in the center of the exhibition address mental health battles, life challenges, and uncertainties.
“My art is basically showing what I see or how I feel,” said Traynece Holmes, 16. “I went through a lot like my sister, but worse,” said T. Holmes. “I went through depression, but now I’m out of it, and being able to be around people and being able to do art help me be myself.” said T. Holmes.
Teenage years naturally bring an unwarranted self-realization. Many teens wrestle with answering intimidating questions about themselves and where they see their lives heading. Art has helped remedy the pressure of making arduous life decisions as a young adult.
“Before I started art, I was actually exhausted,” said Arnetta Jones, 20. “I didn’t know what to do, didn’t know what I would do. I was confused. But when I started painting, I started getting the roots and meaning of art, I started to feel better. I started to feel the leaves open up.” said Jones.
During a reflective panel at the exhibition opening, these four of the five artists echoed their time at the art center this summer and what they are walking away with.
“An experience,” said A’Mia Thompson, 16. “Learning how to make art,” said Thompson.
Young artists look forward to continuing to create whether it is through art or entrepreneurship after jumping into this six week long role.
“I write and I dance,” said Shania Holmes, 17. “I’m on a dance team, so when I get stressed that’s what I do, writing or dancing.” said S. Holmes.
Attendees at the event felt inspired by the exhibiting artists to continue to create art themselves from Christian rap to uplifting poetry. By the end of the exhibition opening, pieces had begun to sell while the event wrapped up with teary-eyed gift acceptances and meaningful thank you speeches.
Pour Minds: Creativity Through Self Expression is open at 748 W. 69th St. through December 31, 2025 at The Art Center of Englewood. Viewing the gallery is by appointment only.
Kelsei Brianna is a graduate student reporter specializing in magazine journalism at Northwestern University. Originally from Baton Rouge and now based in Chicago, she covers arts and culture, lifestyle, and food. She has a soft spot for storytelling that thoughtfully amplifies underrepresented voices by connecting personal narratives to broader cultural conversations. Her work has appeared in 225 Magazine, Newcity, and Medill Reports. When she’s not reporting, you can find her in a movie theater, at the airport, or weighing in on internet discourse.