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Education at Iowa

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Helping Juvenile Offenders Heal through Art

Helping Juvenile Offenders Heal through Art

Art Education Associate Professor Rachel Williams is bringing art to a population of Iowa kids who need a creative release. She is working with the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo to expand their existing art program and with the State Training School for Boys in Eldora to create an art program.

Her interest stems from a background in teaching and some seven years working with the Iowa Juvenile Home in other capacities.

“The thing I like about this work is I see how powerful art can be in terms of being a positive influence in a kid’s life,” Williams said. “It remakes their identity to some degree—they see themselves in other ways besides a kid who may have messed up. They find other labels to apply to themselves.”

The State Training School for Boys, which serves approximately 200 boys between the ages of 12 and 18, was without an organized art program before Williams stepped in. Now, she’s used part of her two-year, $63,324 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust to create a ceramics, painting, and drawing studio and an after-school program.

Kim Blakesley, educational supervisor and vocational principal at the school, is thrilled to offer arts to her students. As a former art teacher, she will even be able to teach some of the new courses.

“This is going to allow them to express themselves and help deter some behavioral problems,” she said.

The Iowa Juvenile Home, which serves more than 90 male and female students between 12 and 18 years old, has two art teachers already on staff. Williams’ grant has secured additional computers and software to expand a digital photography program.

“I noticed that the main barrier to them getting a fantastic art experience was just support and supplies,” Williams said. “They have great teachers, but the budget is tight because so many of their students have special needs.”

Superintendent Deborah Hanus said that in addition to the equipment, her faculty and students have benefited from interacting with Williams.

“She’s here giving time and offering direction and instruction,” Hanus said. “She has many wonderful ways to engage kids in art that’s not only educational but therapeutic as well. The real benefit is her involvement in our facility.”

Students at the Iowa Juvenile Home are already making the connection between art and healing.

Anna Walker, a 17-year-old from Iowa City, said she enjoys crafting decorative boxes.

“If you focus on the art, you can get your feelings out—if you let it,” she said. “Art can take you far away.”

Williams is hoping her work in Toledo and Eldora will help spread that feeling around the country.

“We’re planning to create sustainable programs and use them as a model for best practices,” she said.

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