JUMP INTO METAMORPHOSIS Celebrating the Artwork of Justice-Involved Youth

For Immediate Release: January 19, 2025
JUMP INTO METAMORPHOSIS Celebrating the Artwork of Justice-Involved Youth

RAPID CITY, SD – Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is proud to present Metamorphosis, the culminating exhibition of the Just Us Mural Project (JUMP). This powerful showcase features 15 murals created by justice-involved youth, reflecting their resilience, imagination, and evolving roles within the community. The final reception will take place in the Ruth Brennan Gallery on March 14 from 5–7pm. Admission to the galleries is always free.

In 2023, the Pennington County State Attorney’s Office’s Juvenile Diversion Program was one of only five programs nationwide to receive a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. This competitive grant supports high-quality arts programs for justice-involved youth, funding JUMP in partnership with the Rapid City Arts Council.
For the past 15 months, JUMP has provided culturally relevant arts education to youth in Pennington County, fostering personal growth, reducing disciplinary infractions, and encouraging greater self-compassion. Through art, these young people found a voice—one that deserves to be heard.

​The Creation Process of a Mural

• Design Workshop – Over two to three days, a counselor and an artist work with students at the Juvenile Services Center (JSC), listening to their stories and guiding discussions about their past experiences and hopes for the future.
• Paint Brushes in Hand – For 10 days, students collaborate with artists and counselors to bring their visions to life, learning about color theory, storytelling, and self-expression.
• Private Showcase – At the end of the workshop, students invite their loved ones to view the completed murals at the Dahl Arts Center. This private event offers a safe space for them to share their experiences and reflect on their creative journey.

The theme of Metamorphosis evolved from a simple metaphor into a profound reflection of transformation. Annalise, one of the participants, described her journey:
“At first, I did think it was a little stupid and I looked at it like a punishment. I didn’t know how painting was going to do anything. But, looking back, I realize it’s something to guide you instead. By the time the mural was finished, my perspective had changed. It was fun and rewarding.”

Temperance highlighted the importance of community and recognition:
“I enjoyed working on the painting... I also really liked when our parents showed up to look at the art and we got to talk about what we did and the parts that we worked on.”

​Experience the Power of ArtAll JUMP participants will receive a 40-page exhibition catalog featuring full-color images of the murals, celebrating their artistic achievements. These works of art embody bravery, hope, fear, and resilience—offering viewers an intimate glimpse into the emotions and experiences of these young artists.

Join us on March 14 from 5-7pm to witness the transformative power of art in action. For more information or to preview the murals, visit rapidcityartscouncil.org/jump.

​At the Rapid City Arts Council, we believe that art should be accessible to all. If you or your child wants to take an art class but financial barriers stand in the way, we offer scholarship programs dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to create.

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For More Information:
Maggie Lepa-Wince
Rapid City Arts Council
605.394.4101 
[email protected]

The purpose of the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is to champion the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral and more inspiring for the communities we serve.​ RCAC was established by community leaders in 1968 and officially partnered with the city in 1974 to manage the Dahl Arts Center and expand arts and cultural resources. RCAC creates and supports diverse programming in exhibitions, performances, and educational classes. Supported by individual donors and organizations such as the Black Hills Area Community Foundation, John T. Vucurevich Foundation, the South Dakota Arts Council through the South Dakota Department of Tourism and the National Endowment for the Arts, and others, RCAC is committed to enriching the community's artistic and cultural experiences. Located at 713 7th St in Downtown Rapid City, the center offers free admission and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Discover more at rapidcityartscouncil.org.