Schack exhibit features works of at-risk youths

EVERETT — The Schack Art Center is presenting an exhibit beginning next week called “Interpretations” that features the artwork of youths at Cocoon House, in combination with pieces created by court-involved youth at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center.

The show, sponsored by the John &Ellen Middelton Fund at the Greater Everett Community Foundation, is on display in the Schack’s Emerging Young Artists’ Gallery through May 29th.

The public is invited to an opening reception for the artists from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday. The Schack Center is located at 2921 Hoyt Ave., Everett.

Since 1993, the center has partnered with Denney and the Everett School District to offer weekly art classes, known as “Art Alternatives.” to incarcerated youth.

Henri Wilson, lead instructor for the program, is “particularly excited about the expressive sumi bird paintings made with minimal brush and pen strokes” that will be displayed in an accordion book format during the exhibit.

Wilson also is working with local artist Josey Wise to teach an acrylic painting workshop, organized by the Schack, for residents of Cocoon House, an emergency shelter for teens and at-risk youths.

The artwork created during the workshop will be completed just in time for the exhibit.

Youth participating in Denney’s Promising Artists in Recovery program plan to display pieces created during a high school glass blowing class in the Schack’s hot shop earlier this year.