After School Matters

Shaping the Future celebrated visual art, dance, and music created by students in Chicago’s After School Matters program, both past and present.

Shaping the Future used mosaics as a framing structure that drew on the technique of bricolage, combining materials, and media in the spirit of community and collaboration to weave together a final piece that featured teen performances, murals, and original music. The mosaics showcased throughout the piece are snippets of teen-created murals found throughout the city. Mosaics were accompanied by music composed by the After School Matters Future Music Creators program, led by instructor Gerald Bailey.

After School Matters® is the nation’s largest and most successful provider of after-school and summer programs for high school teens. In commemoration of its 30th anniversary of empowering local youth to explore their talents and shape their futures, the organization engaged local artist and educator Lisa Glenn Armstrong to create a projection documenting the creative work of Chicago teens from the past three decades.