Free Write Jail Arts and Literacy Programs celebrated its 15th anniversary of work in the Detention Center with a look back at the murals, paintings, drawings, sculpture and volumes of poetry and prose at an opening reception on July 10th at Chicago Art Department. “What this show demonstrates is how prolific and productive these youth can be, given encouragement and opportunity,” said Free Write director and program founder Ryan Keesling. “They have stories to tell and dreams to display. Some of the stories and poetry are about trauma they have experienced. But some are about love and longing and typical teenage stuff. There’s a tremendous range of skill and talent that the public never sees.” The young artists whose work is currently on display at the Chicago Art Department are current or recent inmates in the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (CCJTDC). The event was the fourth annual exhibition of Free Write student work hosted by Chicago Art Department. The exhibition will continue through August 6th, 2015.