“Freedom of Expression: Artists Incarcerated” features three mural-sized paintings created by young artists experiencing incarceration in collaboration with local muralists. The paintings were produced in a series of 10 workshops led by local artists, in which the youths expressed themselves creatively, learned artistic skills, and practiced collaboration to achieve a mutual goal.

The project was organized by curator James Walton and SLCC criminal justice professor Dr. Anthony Nocella. The workshops were led by these local muralists: Walton, Beto Sanchez-Conejo (SLCC employee), Chuck Landvatter, Matt Monsoon (SLCC Faculty), Brooklyn Ottens (SLCC Student), and Chris Peterson. The Salt Lake Valley Youth Center officials involved were Derek Frye (Director) with Lehai Makoni, Thelma Letuli, and Sione Vailahi (all Unit Managers).

“Being able to make this work with the youth inside was very interesting for me because it is like looking at a mirror,” said Beto Sanchez Conejo, a member of the SLCC Special Events and Art Gallery team and one of the workshop leaders. “The connections we made due to similar lived experiences was crucial,” he continued, describing a connection based on shared neighborhoods growing up. “I really hope we can find a way to keep connecting and having them realize there are people from the same streets we are from that are looking out for them and are actively trying to change the conditions that put us in limiting and hostile positions.”

Walton added: “It was a real privilege to get to spend time with these young artists. Their generosity of spirit and enthusiasm for the project absolutely blew me away,” added Walton, calling the collaboration a “special kind of alchemy” and saying “these wonderful and totally unique paintings almost operate as time capsules that visually realize the thoughts and feelings of these smart, funny, creative young people.”

Salt Lake Valley Youth Center Director Derek Frye also praised the project. “This art project brings the community and their resources and ideas together with our youth at Salt Lake Valley Youth Center to create something positive. As we all know being a youth is hard and for these youth who are at the time locked up, it gives them hope to be a part of something that can benefit others. This allows these youth a way to give back and to express their feelings and emotions in a positive manner while working with positive adult role models.”