ABSTRACT
Brian Goldfarb speaks to the importance of visual art projects that engage youth in peer education. He writes that peer education has been a central component of critical pedagogy and liberal education reform initiatives since the 1960s. For members of society who are confined physically and emotionally in correctional institutions, access to the creative process through the arts provides an outlet for self-expression and a means of building self-esteem. Art educator Bill Williamson found that the first challenge or risk in learning comes from being encouraged to be creative. According to S. Bruno, arts-based programs are able to provide young people with pro-social group activities and skills while encouraging them to express themselves creatively with their peers. "Arts-based programs are especially effective in developing social skills by youth when combined with conflict resolution education". Art education programs, whether in a school or community setting, can allow youth to work with positive role models and discuss their experiences through the arts.
