Since 1993, we have partnered with Denney Juvenile Justice Center and the Everett School District 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 as many as 1,400 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.

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 high stakes community service 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, students collaborated on a fun, successful sequel titled, "A Possible Night of Dreams." In 2008, students completed a third book, “Possible Sights around the World.” And, in March 2010, a fourth book, “Possible Creature Questions,” was released with the distinction of being the best “Possible” book yet.

The books feature animals and sea life worldwide; and, the two most recent books include Spanish translations. Thousands of books have been distributed through community organizations including:

•   Snohomish County Early Childhood Education & Assistance Programs,

•   Snohomish County Health District,

•   Providence and Harborview Medical Centers,

•   Volunteers of America,

•   Little Red School House,

•   Sherwood Community Services and

•   Housing Hope.

Community response to “Possible Creature Questions” led to a second printing so each kindergarten and first grade student in Snohomish County receives a book.

At the start of the project, youth inmates 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 or cut 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."

Central to the success of the project are the program’s teaching artists, Henri Wilson and Sharon Dittenberger. Their vision for the book is multi-faceted. It involves engaging students in a project that serves the community, while producing a vibrant learning tool that stimulates creativity and learning in young children.

Reports from parents, grandparents, and staff at community organizations confirm that the books offer a rewarding experience on many levels as children respond not only to the text, but the illustrations as well. Gina Veloni, Program Manager at the Snohomish Health District wrote, “The books are a wonderful way to promote early learning, enjoy special time together, and foster healthy parent child relationships and healthy child development.”

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 and/or special book project provided by:

•   The Anne and Mary Arts and Environmental Education Fund @

Greater Everett Community Foundation

•   Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.

•   Butler Trust

•   Everett Clinic Foundation

•   K & H Integrated Print Solutions

•   Lucky 7 Foundation

•   Marysville Rotary Club

•   Nysether Family Foundation

•   Rotary Clubs of Everett