Artwork used to help abused victims

LEVERETT, Mass. (WWLP) - Imagine artwork having a positive effect on children who have been physically or sexually abused. Northampton high school students are making a difference in those troubled young lives.

Northampton high school student Josh Dietz creates the kind of artwork that'll be displayed at the Northwestern district attorney's children's advocacy center, in Northampton. His art work at the Leverett Crafts and Art Market is designed to create the kind of climate to help the damage done to abuse victims.

Josh told 22News, it’s challenging and worthwhile. “I feel like most kids, I feel like art for young children is a way to express themselves, a means of expressing themselves. I think this is a great way to help out.”

His instructor Colee Asia is a professional painter. She can see how artwork can be the comforting backdrop for children who've been emotionally damaged by abuse.

She told 22News, the lifelong impact on the young artists, who help with the healing, can have a lasting effect. “I think it's really essential that adolescents in general get a chance to be inspired that their creations are an expression that can help other people.”

This program's called "Art Wide Open." It’ll take a few months to finish. It's hoped that through these pictures, young victims who've been battered and abused can heal more quickly.