I combined forces with teens at Shabazz High School to create this mini-mural, using their ideas on the focus of Growth. Inside this simple image is multiple layers of meaning, which came out of a design session, where we drew pictures of what came to mind and discussed what growth means for us.

Youth Justice & Prevention Mural

For the first time since before COVID began, teens were back in the Department of Neighborhood Services space to help create this mural.

Detention Center Mural - We NAILED It!

The teens who helped did a great job, and now most want to paint murals in their bedrooms. Because of the interactions with the teens, staff, social workers, and of course how bad-ass the design turned out, this was one of my all-time favorite pieces with the Detention Center.

Shelter Project “I Belong” - The Story

Because of the relaxed environment and getting to know everyone, it was easy to forget these teens were there for a reason. At one point we had to move the table closer to the garage so we could plug in an ankle bracelet, and only in times like these was I reminded that some of them committed crimes. This project showed me it starts with knowing ourselves, bit by bit relaxing into who we were and realizing the potential of who we can become.