Mixed Media (36x36 on canvas)

Artists: Youth participating in Journey of Hope art as therapy sessions at the Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls, SD in the Fall of 2023

Through the process of creating art together, we are able to discover our sense of belonging in community. This piece represents our collective journeys towards peace and wellness. We included Japanese paper cranes, symbols of hope and healing during challenging times.

Traditional Teaching by Yankton Sioux Tribal Artist Jerry Fogg as he viewed this piece of artwork created by the youth:

In our culture long ago, it was designs that told the story or informed people of information that was needed to carry on in life. The hand design on a rock or hard surface was to inform others that we were there, that a human had passed this way and continued onward. Berries and other stainable fruit were chewed and blown from the mouth onto the hand placed on the surface and pointing in the direction they continued to travel. Being that spot had been picked also meant there may be water and fruit to be had. The message was meant for all who saw it, for back then, all a human was to another was a human.