May 13, 2008

“The Summer of Hope: Focus Forward through Art,” an exhibit of art and poetry created by youth at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice, was made possible in part by California State University, Fresno students working through the MOSAIC mentoring project.

The exhibit reception is scheduled 5-9 p.m. June 14 at the Fresno Art Museum, sponsored by Focus Forward, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving youth in the Fresno County detention systems. The reception is a fundraiser, with admission $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

The youths’ artwork and poetry are available for purchase that evening, but must stay in the museum for a two-week exhibition.

The art program, partially funded a grant from the Fresno Arts Council, provides a creative outlet for incarcerated youths – the first such experience for many of them.

Focus Forward’s partnership with Fresno State provides internships and service-learning opportunities for students, who help instill or improve basic living and relationship skills and habits designed to keep the youth from returning to custody.

Partners in Focus Forward include several community service organizations and the Fresno County Departments of Probation and Children and Family Services.

For additional information about the reception and exhibition, call Focus Forward at 559.495.3737 or visit its Web site: www.focusforward.org.