If you noticed some new artwork framing trees along First Avenue West in Kalispell, it’s the work of a group of teens from the Center for Restorative Youth Justice, working with art therapist Natalie Norrell, musing on the power and importance of community. It’s an installation worth checking out by one of the more innovative nonprofits in the Flathead working with youths. From the CRYJ’s Shareen Springer:
CRYJ recently partnered with Natalie Norrell, a studio based art therapist, to create a series of small community murals exploring experiences and images relating to connection and community. These murals were designed and created by CRYJ youth participants and are currently on display outside of Natalie’s studio on 418 1st Ave West in downtown Kalispell.
These murals served as powerful reflection opportunities for youth participants – creating a space to discuss feelings of connection and what it means to be a member of a healthy community. Rather than using words to explore, understand and heal; art therapy uses a creative process that focuses on imagery and the metaphor. Art therapy creates: significant declines in feelings of hopelessness and depression; stress reduction; validation of feelings; body image issues; fosters self-awareness; encourages problem solving and decision making skills. Natalie recently opened her private practice in Kalispell and hopes to continue her work with CRYJ and youth around the area through powerful public art projects.
CRYJ works with over 200 youth a year who are either currently involved, or are being actively diverted from, the traditional juvenile justice system. CRYJ’s programs are founded on the restorative justice approach, where justice resources are focused on determining who was harmed (vs. what law was broken), who is responsible (vs. placing blame), and what steps are needed to repair the harm (vs. inflicting punishment). Restorative community service projects such as the community mural project are aimed at “reweaving the fabric” of the relationships (community, family, peers) in ways that prevent further harm and increase community safety.
RYJ and Natalie hope to work together on several other youth mural projects around the community providing a collection of images based on self-reflection and community connection. If you have any questions about this project or are interested in learning more please feel free to contact Shareen Springer (Center for Restorative Youth Justice, [email protected] or 257-7400) or Natalie Norrell (Studio Based Art Therapy, [email protected] or 756-7638). Special thanks to Sherry at Costless Carpet and Susan Miller at Sassafras Gallery for generously donating materials for this Community Arts Mosaic Project.