Message From Kids In Juvenile Correctional Center - - Yami Virgin

Painting mural gives Augusta youth inmates hope

Hope walked in the door recently for the more than 100 youths at the Augusta Youth Development Campus.

Emanuel Martinez, one of the most successful Hispanic artists in the United States, spent several weeks on the campus helping 20 inmates paint a large mural in the gym.

More than 80 Department of Juvenile Justice officials and staff attended a special unveiling ceremony Oct. 19. more...

By Lynn Davidson Staff Writer

Color their futures bright

ART FOR KIDS PROJECT: Artist Emanuel Martinez of Morrison, Colo., shows a mural that he and offenders from the Madison Juvenile Correctional Facility created. The mural was unveiled after a short presentation on Friday. (Staff photo by Ken Ritchie)

A proud group of girls stood in a hallway at the juvenile correctional facility Friday while murals they helped paint were admired.

"If we had more options to paint, I think a lot of girls would be out of here quickly," said Natasha, 16, who helped Colorado master artist and sculptor Emanuel Martinez paint the murals. "We can express ourselves." She said that if more teens were involved in painting, "maybe they would not get into trouble." More.... (Peggy Vlerebome Courier Staff Writer)

Program turns teen offenders into artists

Written by
TaRhonda Thomas

GOLDEN - Daniel Ramirez doesn't count the days he's spent in the Lookout Mountain
Youth Services Center. Instead, he counts the months.

"Too hard [to count the days,]" he said.
Ramirez, who was convicted on kidnapping and assault charges, will be allowed to
leave the facility in mid-May. But before he goes, there is one thing he'd like to finish:
a mural. Read more and watch video...