Sitting alone, she had that "you don't want to come near me" look in her eyes. Young women were laying out their brushes, paints and canvases preparing for the day's art program as part of ArtSafe's first Resiliency through the Arts program at the Ohio Reformatory for Women. Like the others, she was a juvenile incarcerated in Ohio's adult prison system.

Although Sheena thought getting in touch with feelings and art “was a crock,” we soon learned she was a talented writer and gifted painter. The other young women, noticing her talents, began to overcome their reticence and started asking her advice and assistance in creating their art. Slowly Sheena responded, coming out from behind her defenses and sharing her talents. Her gifts were valued and in the sharing she felt a new sense of self-worth.