Since 1993, we have partnered with the Everett School District and Denney Juvenile Justice Center to offer weekly art classes to incarcerated youth. Classes expanded in 2006 to include the PASS Project (Program Alternative to Secured Sentencing) and now serve more than 1,600 youths each year.

The program utilizes a research based prevention model that focuses on the protective factors of healthy adult to youth bonding, skill building and opportunities for recognition. (Risk and protective factor-focused prevention based on the work of J. David Hawkins, Ph.D., Richard F. Catalano, Ph.D. and researchers at UW in Seattle.) Each lesson is built around the elements and principles of art; content is varied to meet a range of interests, learning styles and abilities.

Using basic tools--blunt scissors, primary colors and pencils, inmates learn to draw and paint in supervised sessions, as well as: how arts relate to life and work; how they reflect history and culture; and, how to use reason to solve problems and communicate ideas and feelings in a non-violent way.

Art allows the youth to express themselves finally and freely. It also offers mastery, discipline, structure and a way to unlock unexpressed pain, pain that may have led to their offenses. For those struggling with addiction or family issues, art offers a vehicle to break through walls, resistance and ‘I can’t do this’ to a realization that each child has something to share that others will value.

Art Alternatives for Youth at Risk has been honored as a Best Practices program and was recognized at a congressional session by Representative Larsen as a model for government funding.

Book Projects

In 2003, students in Art Alternatives chose to participate in a shared book project. They wrote and illustrated a preschool book, "A Possible Day On a Farm", which was distributed to younger children in their communities. In 2006, more than 50 students collaborated on a fun and successful sequel titled, "A Possible Night of Dreams." The books have been distributed to more than 20 community organizations including Snohomish County Early Childhood Education & Assistance Programs, Sno-Isle Libraries, Providence Hospital, Volunteers of America, and the Navy Child Development Center

At the start of each book project, students choose a theme, collaborate on text and decorate paper with paint and texture. From the decorated paper they create illustrations using a process of torn paper collage. The teams of students are committed and enthusiastic, even cheering for each other throughout the process. Henri Wilson, art instructor and founder of the program notes that, "when the project is complete students are amazed by the outcome of their collective effort".

Reports from parents, grandparents, and staff at community organizations who have shared the book with little ones confirm that it offers a rewarding experience on many levels as young children respond not only to the text, but the illustrations as well. Karri Matau from the Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation said, "Librarians have been impressed with the book’s quality and are excited to add a book to the Sno-Isle collection that has been written and illustrated by local youth."

Funding for Art Alternatives for Youth at Risk provided by:

•   The Anne and Mary Arts and Environmental Education Fund at

Greater Everett Community Foundation

•   Bank of America Charitable Foundation

•   Everett Clinic Foundation

•   The Butler Trust (third preschool book project)

•   Everett Rotary Clubs

•   Terry & Cheryle Earnheart Fund for Children at Greater Everett

Community Foundation