The fifth annual Summer of Hope Art Exhibit & Auction was held on Thursday, June 17th, 2010 at the Fresno County Juvenile Delinquency Court located on the Juvenile Justice Campus. The art show is Focus Forward’s annual fundraiser and an event that is used to draw the community’s attention to the talent and untapped potential of the youth incarcerated at the JJC. Tours of a courtroom were offered during this year’s exhibit to further enhance the emphasis upon opportunities available to the youth entering the system. With many thanks to our sponsors and the continuing support of the Fresno County community, including the Superior Court and the Fresno County Probation Department, this year’s Summer of Hope was a great success.

Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus, the front of the Courthouse.

Guests were welcomed by the empowering and encouraging words of Honorable M. Bruce Smith, Chief Probation Officer Linda Penner and Supervisor Susan Anderson, all three enduring supporters of Focus Forward. These dynamic speakers brought attention to the importance of programs like those provided by Focus Forward serving the youth that are incarcerated at the JJC. They highlighted the necessity of the dedication, perseverance and hope that organizations like Focus Forward employ while striving to create positive change and promote successful outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system. The music of Lance Canales enhanced the ambiance of the event as attendees studied each of the awe-inspiring art work. Delightful hors d’oeuvres catered by Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission fueled the enjoyment of the evening.


Local Musician Lance Canales.


There were 35 pieces of artwork, all created by youth in the JJC, beautifully displayed while guests had the opportunity to bid on them in the silent auction. Included were lifelike pastels, lovely watercolor flowers, intricate tissue art, vivid watercolor masks, charming watercolor shoes, and an incredible wooden dog house. Also available for small donations were cheerful note cards presenting reproductions of artwork from past years, along with bright posters and colorful hand-made fleece blankets. All these items were very popular with the guests. We are grateful to the art instructors who worked with the youth and facilitated the production of the works of art on display at the show.

The support of the Fresno County Probation Department and the Superior Court was invaluable and directly attributed to the success of the event by providing the venue and equipment needed. The Probation Department continues to show its support of Focus Forward by helping us facilitate our programs and aids us in the many transitional services and opportunities that we work to offer the youth in the county systems. Probation staff members at the JJC are instrumental in assisting us in providing our services. The success of not only this event, but also all our programs and services, are largely due to the vital partnership that Focus Forward has with the Probation Department.


2010 Summer of Hope poster.


The 2010 Summer of Hope Art Show was made possible by the donations and endorsement of our many community sponsors, including the following: Dr. & Mrs. Morton Rosenstein; Supervisor Susan B. Anderson; Richard and Janet Allen; Jo Kader; Dumont Printing; Mental Health Systems Inc.; Transitions Children’s Services; Cultural Arts Rotary Club of Fresno; Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission; Jim and Judy Ganulin; Douglas Rolly MS LMFT; Jud and Jill Robinson; Eye-Q; Comprehensive Youth Services; and Supervisor Phil Larsen. This year, their generous donations significantly exceeded last year’s experience ensuring the success of our event. The money raised in this year’s art show is already supporting ongoing programs for the youth at the JJC. Focus Forward thanks all those who attended and helped make this event one to remember.