WORK BEYOND THE WALLS
Kane County Juvenile Justice Center
What began as a volunteer project has grown into a long-term residency and partnership.
PROJECT SCOPE
16 indoor murals
2 outdoor murals
Ongoing teaching residency funded by the Regional Office of Education
Student-led projects across gardens, hallways, housing units, and court spaces
Inside the facility, I teach mural design, lettering, printmaking, and painting — using the creative process as a way to build confidence, discipline, and connection.
Each session brings new challenges — working within safety restrictions, maintaining engagement, and adapting projects to meet both creative and institutional needs.
But the impact extends beyond the walls.
Students contribute to the spaces they live in.
They see their work installed.
They learn that what they create matters.
This work has expanded into additional partnerships, including projects at River Valley Justice Center in Will County.
Because art doesn’t just change spaces.
It changes people.
IMPACT
The impact of this work is not just what is painted — it’s what is experienced.
Students who once moved through these spaces without connection now help shape them. They see their ideas come to life on walls, in hallways, and in shared spaces. They learn that their voice, their perspective, and their work have value.
Through the process of creating, something shifts — confidence grows, trust is built, and a sense of purpose begins to take hold.
This work continues to expand beyond Kane County, opening doors for new partnerships and deeper community impact.
Because art, at its core, is about connection — and connection changes everything.
Art that brings people together, let’s create yours.
If you are designing community environments, healthcare spaces, or places where people gather and heal, I would love to collaborate.