Art exhibit reflects troubled teens

December 19, 2007

Art exhibit reflects troubled teens

Work is on display in Lagomarcino Hall through January

By Carrie Boyd

Artwork by traumatized teens from the Iowa Juvenile Home is on display in rooms N131 and N137 of Lagomarcino Hall until the end of January. The exhibit, entitled "Trauma Reflected in Art," is facilitated by faculty members in curriculum and instruction.

The traveling show is made up of works by students in the Iowa Juvenile Home (IJH) in Toledo, Iowa, as a form of art therapy. The creative process of putting feelings and emotions on paper is a way to deal with trauma, said Pat Carlson, associate professor in curriculum and instruction who helped facilitate the exhibit.

"The pieces really show the resiliency of young people," said Carlson.

The traveling show was brought to Iowa State's campus by Carl Smith, professor and chair of curriculum and instruction.

Calson said the exhibit may give students and faculty members insight into the lives of young people who have been through traumatic experiences.

Students in the IJH are wards of the state or the courts. They live at the residence center after being removed from their homes for various reasons including abuse or alcohol or drug use.

The show is sponsored by The IJH Foundation with a grant from Alliant Energy.