Teaching Artists:
Born and raised in Chicago, avery r. young is a writer,
teaching artist and performer. avery has traveled throughout the world
amazing audiences with his performance style of "sunday mornin
jook-joint". His "urban hymns" have been captured on
television, movies, cd's and in anthologies.
avery is a columnist for "Say What Magazine" and serves as
Male Initiative Director for POW-WOW Chicago, avery's involvement in
youth and community organization speaks not only of a man dedicated
to craft, but also the work of a warrior in the struggle.
Our Staff
Ryan Keesling, PROGRAM Director
Ryan Keesling teaches arts and literacy programming to boys in detention. He has been with Free Write Jail Arts and Literacy Program since its inception, more than ten years ago. He received a Masters degree in Education from Northwestern University in 2004. When he's not teaching literacy and music production to boys in CCJTDC, Ryan loves to make music of his own, play capoiera, and to produce weekly radio shows for WNUR 89.3 Fm,Destroyer.net, Dubstep.Fm, and DnBRadio.com.
Amanda Klonsky, Girls Program Director
Amanda Klonsky teaches daily writing workshops to girls in detention. She began her work with Free Write Jail Arts and Literacy Program in 2005, and feels it is the most satisfying and rewarding work she has ever done. Amanda writes poetry and non-fiction essays, and is active in Chicago's vibrant poetry community. Amanda has also worked as a journalist, a community organizer, a documentary maker and waitress. She has a BA from University of Wisconsin and is currently working on a Masters in Social Work at University of Chicago.
