Seton Hill Student to Display Art Show at Courthouse
Titled “Kids in Crisis,” the exhibit is the result of Rizzo’s volunteer work at the Youth Shelter. She helps the youngsters in the shelters express themselves through art. “Ninety-five percent of these kids are products of broken homes,” Rizzo said, noting that many youth return to the Shelter in between bouncing form foster home to foster home. “These kids need something to do, a way to positively express themselves. Art gives them that avenue.” Rizzo’s piece in the art show is a charcoal drawing depicting the youths as victims who are often drugged to subdue them. A judge stands over them on a courthouse balcony guiding them.
In addition to her volunteer work at the Youth Shelter, Rizzo accepted a paid position in May as a direct care worker at the newly-formed Specialized Program for Alternative Respite Care (SPARC) of Westmoreland County. SPARC is designed only for stays of 24 hours to seven days. “Many youth move from SPARC to the Emergency Youth Shelter as they await court hearings that can sometimes take upwards of 6 months,” Rizzo said. “My goal is to begin a program where kids can work in all the arts in the shelters. Music and writing are high among the creative interests in many of these youth in addition to art.”
Upon completing her bachelor degree in human services with a minor in art, Rizzo hopes to pursue a master of art degree in art therapy at Seton Hill College and continue her work with troubled youth. “I have always loved kids,” Rizzo said, adding that she has worked as a preschool teacher and a teacher’s aid. “Although working with these kids isn’t easy, it’s a challenge I enjoy.”
For more information on the show, please contact Noele Creamer, Staff Writer for Seton Hill College, at 724-830-1069 or creamer@setonhill.edu.