INCARCERATED GIRLS FIND RELIEF THROUGH INTRODUCTION TO ART WORKSHOPS
For the second year, Create Now has been able to provide teenage girls who are locked up at Camp Joseph Scott in Saugus with Introduction to Art Workshops. We have just completed the first of two intensive programs, where the girls learn how to draw, paint, sculpt and then design their own art exhibition.
The classes started in mid-April with mentor Corinne Mazzola, who was very popular when she taught three of these workshops in 2009. Unfortunately, she had to leave due to a family emergency. Artist Leslie Halberg stepped in and the workshops have continued running smoothly. “I see our role as showing off the world, making it easier to choose wisely, and how rewarding personal achievement can be. It makes all the difference to have an adult there to point out possible answers that work for that particular kid at her particular time.”
Each Saturday afternoon, the girls gather in a comfy room where they quickly become engrossed in their arts projects. The suggested theme of the artwork has been "Self-Respect and Respect For Others." They have drawn elaborate patterns and done contour drawings. The young artists experiment with different painting techniques and mold clay. They are learning how to express themselves in a creative manner that allows them to release pent-up tension. These art students also learn math and language skills.
“It’s fun and real stress-relieving, “ said Elena. “It got me away from camp for a while, kind of like a vacation.”
Another girl, Gloria, said, “The worst part was trying to do something I didn’t know how to do, but I learned real good. It was fun.”
The best part is the celebration at the end of the program, when the kids work together as a team (which is very challenging with this population) to creatively display their artwork in the gymnasium. Then they sit back and watch as 100 other girls at the camp, along with their probation officers and additional staff, file through the art exhibition in small groups. The young artists receive all kinds of compliments from their peers and staff. Our evaluation of this workshop (sponsored by the Department of Probation), showed that 71% of the girls had an increase on the self-esteem scale.
Ebonee said, “It’s a real creative experience. We get to try new things. It made me feel free and like an artist.”
As with all Create Now workshops, we gave the students a pizza party to celebrate the culmination of the program, which is a big reward. Each girl also received a gift bag with a Certificate of Participation or Completion, along with art supplies and other goodies. This helps to build their confidence and provides them with lasting souvenirs of their successful experience.
The second Introduction to Art Workshop is well underway and it will culminate on June 12th. Some of the girls loved the first class so much that they begged us to let them return. “I have something to look forward to,” said Marissa. As a result, this session is more advanced. The girls are further developing their skills and interest in visual arts as a medium for self-expression, and also as a potential career. This is important since the arts generate over one million jobs a year in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Cheryl Jackson is the Director at Camp Scott. She said, “The pride and confidence demonstrated by the girls as a direct result of the artwork that they have created has had a profound effect on the pro-social elements within the Camp. Create Now is a significant instrument in the development of young ladies who are learning to be contributing and socially responsible members of society.”
Our Introduction to Art Workshop was made possible by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the Kaiser Permanente Foundation, and the Wells Fargo Foundation. We're very grateful to our sponsors.
