At-risk youth successfully complete art education and mural project

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 20, 2018

The Washington County Juvenile Department recently celebrated the culmination of a community-based art education project for at-risk youth. The six-week program was targeted to proactively address graffiti prevention in Washington County, as well as provide art education and other pro-social activities to those involved.

Juvenile Counselor Bernardino De La Torre worked with well-known professional muralist Hampton Rodriguez, owner of Bohio Studio in SE Portland, to instruct the art classes. He also arranged for the youth to paint a final mural of their own original design, with support from a local Hillsboro business. Jaime Miranda, owner of M&M Marketplace, stated that when he was first approached with the idea of hosting the mural installation at the Marketplace, he knew it would be a win-win opportunity. "We had a performance stage that needed a colorful and interesting backdrop and the youth needed a place to express their art. It was a pleasure to partner with the Juvenile Department to help create positive experiences for the youth in the community."

On Sunday, September 16, 2018, the M&M Marketplace hosted a celebration and unveiling of the completed mural. According to De La Torre, the Juvenile Department hopes to provide this program again in the future and will look for other opportunities to form community partnerships that help reinforce positive behavior in the lives of at-risk youth.

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