FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 20, 2006

CONTACT: Kathy Fejes, (515) 271-2168, kathy.fejes@drake.edu;
Daniel P. Finney, (515) 271-2833, daniel.finney@drake.edu

PAIN OF CHILDHOOD ABUSE SPAWNS ART WORKS OF TRAGEDY, HOPE IN INTRIGUING DISPLAY AT DRAKE BEGINNING SUNDAY, JAN. 29

Through the most wrenching pain shines the light of hope.

That is the theme of “Trauma Reflected in Art,” an art show of works and essays created by students at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo, Iowa. The home is the state training school for delinquent girls and also serves some boys and girls who are victims of abuse and neglect.

“Some of the pieces show incredible pain and tragedy,” said Kathy Fejes, professor of education. “Others are very hopeful and demonstrate resilience. The display will haunt visitors, but they will walk out with a better understanding of the experiences of some of the young people in their state.”

The show begins with an opening reception set for 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, in room 214 of the Drake University School of Education, 3206 University Ave. The exhibit will be on display Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through March 3.

The young artists – ranging in age from 14 to 17 – hail from all corners of Iowa and most have been identified as Children in Need of Assistance. Most qualify for special education with the most common disability being emotional and behavior disorders.

“Trauma Reflected in Art” is a display of 30 works produced through the juvenile home’s therapeutic art program. Each work is accompanied by the artist’s essay detailing emotions and events that impacted their lives and prompted creative expression.

“The essays open a framework for interpreting the pieces, which are always highly personal,” Fejes said. “With the words and the artwork combined, it’s really a tremendously moving experience.”

The artists are completely anonymous, though the students did offer their works for public display. The show is designed to showcase the students’ artistic talents, demonstrate the effectiveness of art therapy as a rehabilitative process and educate the public about the Iowa Juvenile Home.

The Drake School of Education, GeoLearning, and Alliant Energy are co-sponsors of the event.

Digital copies of the students’ artwork and essays can be provided upon request.

- 30 -