Youth Perspectives
April 3 – May 2, 2025
Organized in partnership with the Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership and Transformative Arts Project
The City of Frederick is pleased to announce the opening of Youth Perspectives, an exhibition featuring artwork and images alongside accompanying text by Frederick youth ages two to 24. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership and Transformative Arts Projects.
Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership
Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP) provides support, resources, and services to children impacted by the incarceration of a loved one, as well as their caregivers in the Frederick region. COIPP has existed for over sixteen years and continues to grow in the number of those served and the number of programs provided.
More than 90,000 children in Maryland have an incarcerated parent, and these children face heightened risks of trauma, economic hardship, academic struggles, and social stigma. Without targeted support, they are more likely to experience long-term instability, including housing insecurity, food insecurity, and emotional distress.
Parental incarceration is not just a family crisis—it is a systemic issue rooted in broader structural inequities. Families impacted by incarceration often experience intergenerational cycles of poverty and trauma due to limited access to resources, mental health support, and economic opportunities. The stigma surrounding incarceration further isolates these families, making it difficult for children to receive the social and emotional support they need to thrive.
The artwork featured is the result of an activity organized by COIPP for the families the organization serves and is by children two to twelve years of age. For more information about COIPP, visit coipp.org.
Transformative Arts Project: Empowering Youth Through Photovoice
On display is a selection of powerful images and narratives captured by the Frederick Youth Council, comprising youth ages 12 to 24. Guided by Dr. Laura Sherwood, founder of the Transformative Arts Project and Frederick Youth Council mentor, on the Photovoice method, youth share their perspectives on the challenges and strengths within their community, ensuring their voices are heard in conversations that impact them. Photovoice is more than just storytelling—it’s a tool for advocacy and change, shedding light on community needs and fostering equitable representation. For more information, visit transformativeartsproject.org.
Youth Perspectives is part of the City of Frederick’s Office of the Mayor Art in City Hall program. The program presents rotating exhibitions throughout the year, highlighting artists through partnerships with local arts and culture organizations, non-profits, schools, libraries, and community groups.