Art and therapy came together in a workshop hosted by UC Riverside psychologist Kalina Michalska on Saturday, Aug. 9.

About 20 children ages 10 to 15 participated in the interactive workshop designed to honor empowerment, self-awareness, and community connection. The participants were already enrolled in the KIND (Kids Interaction and NeuroDevelopment) Lab’s neuroscience and behavioral research studies under Michalska’s direction. The research centers community voices and partnership by conducting research with the community and translating findings into resources that directly benefit local families.

Cynthia Huerta, a community artist, guided participants and their caregivers through a self-portrait exercise, asking them to create one portrait demonstrating where they gather their strength and power from and a second one showing how they replenish and sustain that strength.

“The event combined creativity, gratitude, and conversation in a safe, welcoming space that celebrated each participant’s unique journey,” Michalska said.

The workshop was supported by a grant from the William T. Grant Foundation.

Photos by Christophe Katrib