Art Showcase for Youth in Opioid Recovery
On Saturday, December 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center will host a special art showcase featuring artwork created by youth enrolled in an opioid use disorder program at the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Facility. This showcase represents the culmination of a 16-week creative wellness program led by St. Paul-based Restorative Reiki Health and Wellness.
Raising Awareness in the Community
According to Molly Evans, Executive Director and Founder of Restorative Reiki Health and Wellness, the event aims to bring awareness to the Black and Native American communities that are disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis. Evans stated, ‘The goal of the program was to foster recovery and healing for marginalized youth.’
Creativity as a Healing Tool
Throughout the program, participants between the ages of 13 and 18 explored various art forms, including self-portraits, landscapes, and abstract pieces, using methods such as watercolor, paint, and colored pencil. Evans emphasized that these artistic endeavors not only encourage self-expression but also build essential self-care and emotional regulation skills.
Support from Local Artists
The program also sees the involvement of local artists, many of whom have their own experiences with the justice system. Evans noted, ‘Local artists were able to show the youth that everyone is worth more than their worst mistakes and that a positive future is within reach.’
A Personal Connection
Having grown up with incarcerated parents, Evans has a personal understanding of the challenges faced by the youth in the program. ‘It was inspiring to witness the transformation among these participants,’ she reflected.
Art and Recovery Go Hand-in-Hand
Evans highlighted the importance of integrating arts into the recovery process, likening it to a crucial component of a sandwich. ‘When we put the two together, it’s kind of like your top piece of bread on a sandwich. Without one, you don’t have the whole sandwich.’
Engaging the Community
The showcase will feature a group mural that attendees can contribute to, allowing community engagement and interaction. Free Naloxone kits, which help counteract opioid overdoses, will also be available, along with training on their use. Evans expressed her hope that participants will walk away with valuable connections and impactful experiences.
Conclusion
This art showcase serves as a powerful vehicle for healing and connection, demonstrating how creativity can uplift and support recovery in our community.
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