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March 31, 2026
The Foundation for Hospital Art presented the Marietta Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) with a “Lion of Courage” mural to send a message of hope and encouragement to youth. The mural was created at the Scouting America Annual Youth Protection Seminar during the On-Going Survivors’ Brunch held last October. The brunch allows participants to explore how creative expression can serve as a powerful outlet for processing trauma and regaining their voices.
“We are so happy to receive this mural for the Marietta RYDC,” said Lisa Mantz, Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Secure Facilities. “Thank you to the Foundation for Hospital Art and Scouting America for thinking of an opportunity to help restore and rehabilitate DJJ youth and support our staff through the arts.”
The Foundation for Hospital Art is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing comfort and hope through art to people in healthcare facilities around the world. The “Lion of Hope” mural inspires youth to look towards a bright future.
“Everything we do is designed to love, comfort, and encourage people who might be going through a hard time or be in a difficult time or space in their life,” said Barbara Banta, Senior Artist for the Foundation for Hospital Art.
More than 300 seminar participants had an opportunity to contribute to the mural's creation, including DJJ staff and community members from across metro Atlanta.
“It gives us hope that the youth can still develop and grow,” said DJJ Regional Administrator Selma Calloway. “Seeing the smile on the kids' faces lets me know we are in the right business and doing the right thing. They were so inspired by the piece.”
According to the Youth In Custody Practice Model, a guide to best practices in youth corrections, a facility’s environment, structure, and services have enormous power to shape youth’s behavior.
“It was awesome that the youth resonated with it,” said Andrew Schoppe, Community Co-Lead for the Youth Protection Seminar Planning Committee. “I hope the youth are encouraged by the mural and have thoughts that bring light.”
Marietta RYDC youth welcomed the mural presentation by sharing their own creative expressions and reflections during the ceremony.
“I think the kids were very inspired by the art today,” said Audrey Stokes, Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Secure Facilities. “The art shows courage, inspiration, and creativity. Some of the creativity came out in our youth as they began to present today. The art also shows that the kids have the opportunity for a second chance and that their life still matters.”
Thank you to the Foundation for Hospital Art and Scouting America for encouraging our youth in the arts!