‘Heart & Color’ features artwork created by young people through a county rehabilitation program focused on self-expression and personal growth

Organ Mountain News report

LAS CRUCES - Artwork created by youth at the Doña Ana County Juvenile Detention Center is on public display through Friday, Aug. 14, at the Doña Ana County Government Center.

The Heart & Color exhibit features work created through Creative Kids’ Transformative Art Program, a partnership between the county Health and Human Services Department and Creative Kids funded through a New Mexico Department of Health Violence Intervention Fund grant.

The exhibit is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday on the first floor of the Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd.

Participants created the artwork through a series of workshops designed to use creative expression to process personal experiences, build confidence and encourage participants to envision positive futures, according to the county.

“Our partnership with Creative Kids gives youth involved in the justice system a safe, healing space to express themselves through art,” Health and Human Services Director Jamie Michael said. “Programs like this help strengthen emotional regulation and support rehabilitation.”

Michael said displaying the work publicly can also provide affirmation from participants’ families and the broader community while helping reduce stigma.

Creative Kids’ Transformative Art Program uses collaborative art projects to develop self-expression, confidence and problem-solving skills while encouraging personal growth through the creative process.