Shuman Honored with Detention and Alternative Programs Best Practices Award

PITTSBURGH - The Shuman Juvenile Detention Center was recognized by the County Commissioners' Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) as the winner of the Detention and Alternative Programs Best Practices Award for 2015. The selection, made by the Committee on County Criminal Justice System Best Practices for the 21st Century, was announced last month, but will formally be presented during a June 15th awards ceremony in State College.

"We have worked diligently to improve the culture, efficiencies and effectiveness of the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center because it is imperative for us to meet our mission of promoting the health and well-being of the youth committed to our care," said County Manager William D. McKain CPA. "I am proud to see the Shuman leadership and staff focusing on the provision of services to our residents, and am happy that their willingness to embrace non-traditional methods which inspire the students has been recognized in this way."

The Shuman Center was nominated and selected for this award because of its Jewelry Arts Program. Created five years ago by then-volunteer Gerry Florida, the program incorporates recycled and salvaged materials which parallel subliminal messages of imperfection and the necessity for self-reinvention after loss, trauma, or tragedy. The jewelry program was the first of its kind in a detention setting with the added concept that immediate gratification sparked and inspired students who were at risk for permanently developing negative perceptions and attitudes about their value, self-worth and ability.

"Offering this program at Shuman Center has been eye-opening as we learned that the arts played a major role in transforming not only the residents, but the staff as well," said Shuman Center Director Earl Hill. "This program builds confidence, creates something of value to others, allows for freedom of expression, and helps develop creative and critical thinking, logic and problem solving skills. Just as importantly, it provides students with an opportunity to tell their stories, and express their feelings and opinions safely."

Students in the jewelry program create rings, keychains, bookmarks, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The standard tools include hammers, anvils, pliers, files, wire cutters, road nose pliers, beads, broken jewelry and findings. Students bend and forge wire to create the finished pieces. The art room has been re-named the "Shuman Design Studios" and a label and logo was created for the jewelry. Students also create personal logos, advertising materials and business cards, as well as discuss basic marketing principles and how to create a design business.

Working with the Society for Contemporary Craft, a visiting jewelry artist visited Shuman to conduct a three-day metalsmith workshop for 13 students using Altoid tins to create memory boxes. The Society also sponsored materials for a talisman workshop offered to all students. The resulting memory boxes and talisman were included in an exhibit entitled "ENOUGH VIOLENCE" which was hosted by the Society for Contemporary Craft. The world-premiere exhibition included 14 international artists, and the students of Shuman, in addressing the issue of violence in their communities. The exhibit launched September 27, 2013, traveled through a number of other areas in the country, before returning for its finale in Pittsburgh in March 2014.

Artist and teacher Gerry Florida recently reflected on the lessons learned over the past five years of the program: "We learned the importance of art in a student's learning and the personal experiences they acquire. We learned that once a student challenges their perception of their lack of ability, they are more willing to challenge that false belief in other academic areas. We learned the importance of family in the process of the exhibition. Most importantly, we learned how the experience inspired our students to think more deeply into themselves and understand their untapped potential."

Photos and additional information on the memory boxes and talisman can also be found on the Shuman website at Enough Violence Exhibition