Project Jericho youth and families spent a lot of 2007 doing art – and just as much of it giving back to their community. You’ll see that as a theme in this edition of our newsletter – we are happy that Project Jericho provides an outlet for participants to grow and learn about themselves, and that this often leads to learning they can play a big part in helping others.

Twenty-one local youth participated in holiday watercolor card workshops December 11 - 12 at the Clark State Performing Arts Center. Youth were led by artist Kristi Limes in the creation of beautiful cards depicting snowflakes. Once complete, the watercolor cards were filled with poetry created by Project Jericho youth in the Clark County Detention Facility with the “Inside the Walls, Outside the Box” program. Participants learned about watercolor techniques and also about the importance of giving back to their community: all of the cards created in the two-day workshop (over 60 total cards) were given to residents at Mercy St. John’s, a hospice center in Springfield. Youth hand-delivered the cards on December 17, while caroling to the residents at Mercy St. John’s.

Clark County Juvenile Court and Detention staff gathered in the large courtroom on December 18 for a different sort of courtroom drama – a celebration of art and giving. Youth in detention worked with Beth Peace knitting hats for the needy. The three month endeavor taught youth how to knit without using knitting needles, and gave them a self-soothing activity during their evening rec hours. More importantly, it taught youth the power of giving, and many of them made the effort to be there on the 18th to present their handmade hats to the Department of Job and Family Services.

The Art of Giving Presentation also showcased art created by both detained youth and youth participating in the BOYAC Program, under the direction of Kristi Limes. The courtroom became an art gallery to 15 watercolor paintings that focused on “Home”. The goal was twofold, first to explore those qualities and values that make a home ‘Home’. They also created a visual gift of pride for the families that will live in the homes the boys help construct. The artwork was presented to Habitat for Humanity, and the family that is working with the BOYAC boys in building their home. This artwork is now on display at the Sarah T. Landess Technology Center at Clark State’s Leffel Lane Campus – check it out!

The Art of Giving Presentation was inspired by Fred Thomas, Director of Detention who hopes to utilize the Project Jericho program to teach detained youth how to improve their community.