County art exhibit showcases artwork by youth at detention center

Doña Ana County invites the public to view Heart & Color, a unique art exhibit featuring artwork created by youth at the Doña Ana County Juvenile Detention Center through Creative Kids' Transformative Art Program. The program is a partnership between the Doña Ana County Health and Human Services Department (HHS) and Creative Kids, made possible through a grant from the New Mexico Department of Health's Violence Intervention Fund.

A special Heart & Color reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, August 7, at the Doña Ana County Government Center. The public is invited to attend and view the artwork.

The exhibit will remain open to the public through Friday, August 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, on the first floor of the Doña Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd. in Las Cruces.

Through a series of art-based workshops, participants explored creative expression as a way to process personal experiences, build confidence and envision positive futures. The completed artwork reflects each participant's individual perspective while demonstrating the role art can play in rehabilitation and self-discovery.

“Our partnership with Creative Kids gives youth involved in the justice system a safe, healing space to express themselves through art," Health and Human Services Director Jamie Michael said. "Programs like this help strengthen emotional regulation and support rehabilitation. By sharing their artwork with the public, these youth receive powerful affirmation from their families and the community, helping reduce stigma and build hope for their futures." 

Creative Kids' Transformative Art Program uses collaborative art projects to help participants develop self-expression, confidence and problem-solving skills while encouraging personal growth through the creative process.