Program models

program models

J-Def Peace Project focuses on teen skill development. These skills are implemented through the visual art process where the philosophy of balance, community, and dedication to creativity leads to peace: -Fundamentals of Visual Arts & Mindset orientation. -Advanced Studio works, media & projects.-Public Art Works, including painted & mosaic murals.
Through our partnership with After School Matters, the J-Def Peace Project has expanded into communities in need. These programs are led by former teen apprentices who are now trained as instructors.

Advanced Apprenticeship Programs

J-Def Peace project @ APO

The A.P.O. Cultural Center Asociacion Por Derechos Obreros, established in 1962. It began as an organization that fought for worker's rights; it was instrumental in the movement of the Latino workforce to fight for equal opportunities in all career paths. Located in Pilsen working with teens throughout the city.This is one of our advanced programs where teens are supporting each other with their independent work done through problem-solving, communication, personal mindset, and teamwork. Projects range from painting, drawings, and public painted and mosaic murals.

j-def peace project @ solorio high school

Solorio Academy High School is named in honor of Eric Solorio (1979-2006), a former member of the Chicago Police Department’s elite anti-gang unit. Solorio Academy High School opened in 2010 and serves 1,185 students and is located in Gage Park.
Our advanced program works with the beginner and advanced students who attend Solorio H. S. Projects range from painting, drawings, and public painted and mosaic murals.

j-def peace project @ Kelly high school

Thomas Kelly College Preparatory High School is located in the Brighton Park neighborhood. The school is named after Irish nationalist Thomas J. Kelly. Kelly is the third largest Chicago public high school in terms of the student population.
This advanced program engages 30 students who uses creative visual art and range from beginner to advance level. The apprentices are learning how to identify life skills while creating works of art. Projects range from painting, drawings, and public painted and mosaic murals.

Apprenticeship Programs

j-def peace project @ wolfe park

Wolfe park is named after Richard W. Wolfe a businessman who became the city's commissioner of City Works in 1927. It is located in the residential section of the heavily industrial East Side neighborhood.
We have successfully worked with beginner apprentices and the basics of drawing and painting. The curriculum provides for identifying and working on basic life skills such as time management, teamwork, social awareness, and communication.

j-def peace project @ davis square park

Davis Square park opened in 1905 and is located in Chicago's congested Back of the Yards neighborhood. It was named after Nathan Smith Davis, a Chicago physician and one of the founders of the American Medical Association.
The program focuses on preparing teens for an advanced program by implementing basic drawing and painting skills.

j-def peace project @ mckinley park

William McKinley was the 25th President of the United States and the park was established in 1902. The original Brighton Park was a racetrack that sat on what, in 1902, became McKinley Park.
This is a beginner level program that enrolls 15 teens from the Brighton and McKinley Park neighborhoods.

j-def peace project @ sumner

Sumner Park is Located in the North Lawndale community. It is named after Charles Sumner, an academic lawyer who lead the the antislavery forces in Massachusetts. This young program has provided a safe and creative space for teens 14 through 18-year-olds. The basic drawing and painting programs prepares them for any advance program.

j-def peace project @ juvenile center

This one-week fundamental intensive visual arts training program is for selected residents. Projects include drawing and painting exercises, color study, landscapes, and portraits culminating in a student showcase.