emerge Gallery
Welcome to Emerge Gallery, a pop-up gallery featuring artwork created by incarcerated artists from across the United States. Our pop-up gallery occurs monthly at Phoenix’s First Friday’s Artwalk in downtown Phoenix Arizona, one of the largest artwalks in the country.
Follow Us on Instagram:
NOTE: Due to the COVID19 Pandemic the Emerge Gallery will not be occurring during Phoenix’s First Friday Artwalk. Please check here for more information on when the gallery will reopen. Until then, please enjoy the digital gallery below.
Emerge Gallery 2021 Spotlight Artists:
Roosevelt J.
Painter and mixed media artist, Roosevelt J. is currently serving a 10 year sentence at Victorville USP. He is excited by the use of recycling unconventional materials into new ideas and visions. His work deals with the stresses of his incarceration and his dreams of freedom.
Christopher H.
Photographer, writer and performer, Christopher H. has ridden the group home-to-prison pipeline and is now working with nonprofit organizations to help rehabilitate adults exiting the pipeline as well as young adults entering it. His work is inspired by his faith.
Daniel W.
Musician and filmmaker, Daniel W. is currently incarcerated in Arizona and is excited about his release in late 2021. He loves to perform live, teach music, and collaborate with others on music videos and projects. His videos and music can be found on his instagram channel.

Photography
Live Exhibits at First Firdays


Film & Video
Painting & Drawing

About Emerge Gallery Director & Artist: Chris H.
Chris H. is a formerly incarcerated artist who has ridden the pipeline from group home to juvenile detention to adult incarceration. He’s now focused on art, music and performance, channeling all his energy and therapy into his work. He gives back by running Emerge Gallery and volunteers with Advocates for Youth Empowerment as an Activities Director, working directly with clients to get them the resources they need to thrive.
Make a Donation
Invest in Artists
At Emerge Gallery, a program through Advocates for Youth Empowerment, we care about our artists even when they are incarcercated. We strive to provide incarcerated and undererved artists with opportunities, funding and outlets for artistic expression without judgement. We’ve been able to allow artists to have full, free expression since 2018 and we couldn’t have gotten this far without your generous contributions. Donate today, and make an impact in the lives of artists and art in the United States.
How your Donation Helps
At Advocates for Youth Empowerment we believe in the power that young people hold, and know that they will mold future generations to come. We are here to give them the support & resources they need in order to shape them into leaders of the future. We have a number of programs and leadership initiatives that nurture our youth and help them develop the skills they will carry throughout their lives. Donate today, and see how you can make an impact!
cONTACT US
Interested in getting involved with Emerge Gallery through Advocates for Youth Empowerment and discovering more about our work? Contact us today and see what we have to offer. Email us at emergegallery@azyouth.org or contact us using the link below.
Location
Emerge Gallery & Advocates for Youth Empowerment
Downtown Phoenix First Fridays Pop-Up Gallery
Contact
Need additional assistance? Interested in getting involved in AYE? Please contact us:
Hours
Every First Friday of the Month from 6pm to 10pm in Beautiful Downtown Phoenix Arizona during the monthly First Firday Artwalk