- This quilt is sketched/painted/handsewn by youth in rival gangs at the Burnaby Youth Custody Centre 2006-2007, facilitated by Katarina Thorsen, therapeutic art facilitator.
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This quilt (79″ x 56″) was made during my art therapy program at a youth custody centre.
I LOVED my time volunteering as the art therapist at Burnaby Youth Custody Centre in 2006-2008. It started with the “Friday Art Class,” then it turned into the “Friday Art Classes,” then “Monday, Wednesday, Friday” etc etc! My time there taught me so much of the healing power of art and that there are no bad kids, just bad decisions.
I have only one rule- NO CENSORSHIP while in art therapy, and it really is a powerful rule. Allowing free expression fosters camaraderie. This quilt allowed rival gang members to work together on a powerful piece, and lots of respectful conversation and art making ensued. The result is quite lovely. Truly a lesson in the healing power of art.
The quilt then stayed in my art therapy room at an alternative school from 2008 to 2011. It truly contains all the tears and laughter from my time there. This is one very special piece! It holds so many stories.
For more custody art, go to: CUSTODY ART.
POSTSTREET: self-expression through the sock 
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Amazingly powerful.
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