It is essential to remember that art is a language, and, as a language, speaks about something that is meaningful to the person that created it. The arts are a pathway to the best of the human spirit. When considering at-risk youngsters who have endured abuse, have been in and out of the juvenile justice system, have been neglected or abused, finding in them the best of the human spirit is imperative.

Art, in all of its forms, nurtures talent, builds confidence and enriches the soul. Through our visual and performing arts programs, the young women at St. Anne Institute can discover new means of personal expression while learning the technical skills to nurture their creativity. Voices raised in song or instruments following a beat mingle with displays of student artwork: poetry, prose, painted canvases, molded clay and woven textiles enliven the corridors with color, shape and texture, each creation as unique as the student that created it. The fine arts are an integral part of the St. Anne experience. Each program is designed to tap our young students' creative abilities and empower them emotionally, encouraging them to heal.

Anyone who has ever played an instrument or sung in a choir understands just how therapeutic music can be. The concept of expressing emotion through music has been around since the dawn of time. Music has an almost magical way of creeping into the depths of our souls and touching us in profound ways. The act of creating music, however, can have an even greater penetrating effect of our emotional health and well-being. Student, recitals, concerts and one-on-one lessons provide the backdrop for capturing the creative spirit of all abilities.

The art of writing, particularly writing poetry, can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Sticking to the basics, or "what you know," is the best way to go. Soon you will find, as have the young poets here, that writing can serve as an outlet for emotions, opinions and conflicts that we may have trouble expressing verbally. For them the experience is cathartic; it serves as personal therapy to "confront the muse" without fear of someone passing judgment on their ideas. The act of writing, or creating poetry more precisely, insists on finding a way of saying what is forbidden or impossible.