The art therapy program for adolescents who received conditional suspension of prosecution in court due to a single moment of poor judgment, 'Youth Art Therapy J.A.T', has completed its fourth term and will hold an exhibition of participants' works at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) International Convention Center from January 23 to 31. 

On the 23rd at 5:30 p.m., an opening ceremony was held at the B1 exhibition hall of the JBNU International Convention Center, attended by President Yang O-bong; Lee Chang-su, Chief Prosecutor of the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office; Professor Eom Hyuk-yong of the College of Arts; as well as art instructors and participating youths.

The program, organized by the JBNU College of Arts, the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, and the Jeonju Regional Council of the Ministry of Justice's Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee, has been in operation since 2021. It is implemented to support youths' healthy development through a 12-week art experience program in lieu of punishment.

Last year as well, from October 10 to December 26, a three-month art therapy program ran for 15 youths who had all received guidance-based conditional suspension of prosecution, with sessions lasting three hours each week.

As part of the detailed program, activities were designed to prompt self-reflection by having youths revisit their mistakes to foster sound value judgments. Under the theme 'Sanctuary of the Mind,' activities included 'Emotion Burst,' in which participants threw balloons filled with colored paint; mask-making using impressions of their own faces; 'Mask Interview'; construction of a 'treehouse' symbolizing a mental sanctuary; and other self-healing art activities, along with one-on-one interviews that provided time for participants to frankly share their stories.

Although inexperienced, the participants communicated with artists, explored their inner emotions, and expressed their own sanctuaries through artworks.

The works containing the youths' self-confessions are expected to offer a time for self-reflection and psychological catharsis, and to prompt adults viewing the exhibition to reconsider their understanding of youths and their social responsibilities.

Professor Eom Hyuk-yong (Department of Fine Arts, College of Arts), the chief planner of the program, said, 'As the theme "Sanctuary of the Mind" implies, I hope visitors to the exhibition feel a gentle impression and a sense of life’s leisure.' He added, 'Please offer generous encouragement and support so that the journey of Youth Art Therapy may continue more richly.'

President Yang O-bong said, 'Art therapy is an artistic activity aimed at self-recovery; it is a precious and meaningful practice that heals even wounded hearts through self-reflection.' He added, 'I hope that youths find peace of mind through serious self-reflection and restoration of self-esteem in this program, and that it serves as an opportunity for them to newly design life goals.'

Lee Chang-su, Chief Prosecutor of the Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office, encouraged the youths, saying, 'I hope you use the completion of this art experience program as an opportunity to advance vigorously toward a bright future with positive thinking and a pioneering spirit.'