An annual May event that elevates stories of strength and resilience from individuals whose stories are often not told. The month-long exhibit celebrates social justice in art and aims to elevate the voices of young people who have survived horrific injustices and childhood trauma. These annual events allow young people to sell their art work and publicly perform, so they can apply their financial literacy skills, make money and invites the community to be active change makers.
Let’s explore the previous exhibits in the past!
2023
8TH ANNUAL #KNOWJUSTICE: CREDO EXHIBIT
The theme for 2023 #KNOWJUSTICE is Credo, Latin for “I Believe”. Not only does it mean I believe, it includes the actions we make on the day-to-day basis for our creed.
The exhibit featured over a hundred pieces of art created by refugee, immigrants, and youth in the system on what their creeds and values are.
2022
7TH ANNUAL #KNOWJUSTICE: COLLECTIVE EXHIBIT
Hosting a hybrid exhibit, “the collective seeks to bring people together to show the strength and beauty of authentic and intentional unity at a time like this when it feels the world is being pulled apart. We are the collective, together we can change the world” - Christine Her, Executive director
2021
6TH ANNUAL #KNOWJUSTICE: KNOW CHANGE VIRTUAL EXHIBIT
During 2021, ArtForce Iowa hosted its first all virtual exhibit, highlighting local you artist and voices. Each performance and piece that was apart of the exhibit showed the process, growth, and changes affect our lives.
2019
5TH ANNUAL #KNOWJUSTICE: ORIGINS ART EXHIBIT
Thank you to our amazing neighbors next door, EMC (the Electrical Materials Company) for letting us renovate the warehouse behind our studio space to make #KNOWJUSTICE: Origins possible. We are filled with gratitude and encouragement from all of those who attended our opening night and sent their love.
If you missed our opening, you can view our #KNOWJUSTICE: ORIGINS gallery below.
Open your eyes and hearts to the inner worlds of Central Iowa’s struggling youth. Their stories are about loss and redemption, discovery and failure, reliance and disappointment. Their stories are about the resilience of teenagers, who are faced daily with social media pressure, a desire to find their true selves, and a world that feels increasingly hostile or unstable.
2018
4TH ANNUAL #KNOWJUSTICE: MANIFESTO ART EXHIBIT
A manifesto is a public statement of one’s beliefs, from the Latin manifestus, meaning “obvious.”
#KNOWJUSTICE: Manifesto, the 4th annual youth art exhibit of ArtForce Iowa, embodies youth artists’ perspectives on human rights and civil rights. ArtForce Iowa youth artists are encouraged to proudly share their beliefs about justice, personal power and the world. With help from Drake Law School students, our youth artists explored what justice looks and feels like to them.
At ArtForce Iowa it is our mission to transform youth in need through art. ArtForce Iowa artist mentors are trained to collaborate with youth artists who are involved with the court system, fostered, homeless, immigrants, refugees or first generation Americans. All are survivors. They speak their manifestos to you through their work.
We believe EVERY PERSON and EVERY INSTITUTION should lift struggling people up with nurturing support. We thank you for your love and attention. Please spread the word about ArtForce Iowa. ❤️
