Children at Youth Haven create mural with help from local artist

Art therapy, the experts say, helps kids find a sense of belonging and connection and at the same time decreases stress levels.

The folks at Youth Haven said their art program allows children and teenagers to feel empowered.

That’s why the kids at Youth Haven are working on a one-of-a-kind mural.

The Collier County facility for boys and girls ages 10 to 19 who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or homelessness uses art as a form of therapy.

“It’s fun as a collective group to be a part of something like this,” said Paul Arsenault, a local artist.

Arsenault is working with Youth Haven’s kids to create an original mural on its 18-and-a-half-acre campus.

The mural’s theme is Critters of the Everglades.

“I had a sketch of the Everglades that I thought would be most appropriate, the nature that we’re surrounded by,” Arsenault said. “It’s just nice to bring it home with a local guy that’s been doing it for a living in the community for a long time.”

Youth Haven CEO Linda Goldfield said: “It’s an opportunity for children to work with each other to be exposed to each other’s differences and commonalities so that they bond together through art.”

Goldfield said children are eventually reunited with their families, others find a forever family.

“It’d be wonderful for the children as adults to be able to come back and see a piece of artwork that they were helpful in creating, as we’re transforming this campus creating a more sanctuary-like environment,” Goldfield said.

Arsenault said he also created the mural in tribute to Lavern Gaynor, a close friend of his and Youth Haven’s honorary lifetime trustee and longtime supporter who died last year.

Work on the mural should wrap up on Friday.