Making art is one way that many of us have been coping with being stuck at home during the pandemic.

The youth in Oregon Youth Authority custody are no exception. Art is an important way for these youth to hone their creativity, release and express their emotions, and calm themselves during tough times.

We asked our youth to share some of the art they’ve been creating during this time, so that we could share it with you. Enjoy!

Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility

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MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility

Highlights from a recent outdoor art project led by Carlos Chavez with Morpheus Youth Project. Chavez said, “Positive vibes was the only theme. We set up outside and enjoyed a nice sunny day, listening to some mellow music and playing with colors.”

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Community Residential Programs

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OYA Foster Homes

Jaiden M. created these three paintings while self-quarantining at home with her OYA foster parent. Her juvenile parole and probation officer, Lani Thomas, says Jaiden is “an intelligent and creative young woman.”

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OYA Youth at Home

Painting is one of Ashlee W.’s coping skills, her JPPO Cliff Walker says. “Ashlee is very resilient and has done a great job creating change for herself since her commitment to OYA,” he adds.