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The last section contains artwork with symbolism and any other form of miscellaneous messages. Many of these symbols relate to an integral part of the artists' lives.

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Thank you for taking the time to view this virtual exhibition! Your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Please use the survey below to let the Xale Reewmi Project know what you thought of the gallery!

https://wustl.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8icNMGAcZSWVdPM

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Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

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Qualtrics makes sophisticated research simple and empowers users to capture customer, product, brand & employee experience insights in one place.

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Welcome to the virtual showcase and gallery for the Xale Reewmi project. This exhibit is a collection of artwork from "teens in transition". The goal of this project is to connect the two St. Louis’-- St. Louis, Senegal, and St. Louis, Missouri– through art as we seek to understand art as an outlet for expression and emotional wellness.

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This project was created specifically to target teens in Foster Care. About 25,000 teens, ages 18-21, age out of the foster care system annually, requiring them to be financially independent and emotionally self-sufficient with little to no support (iFoster). Teens often age out due to families being more interested in adopting younger children. In Missouri alone, over 500 teens aged out in 2016 (LFCS).

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The Facts on Foster Care

Statistics on the Current State of Foster Care

Missouri Foster Care Facts and Figures (LFCS)

Life After Foster Care: MO Youth Need Housing, Support Systems (Public News Service)

Challenges Facing Foster Kids Aging Out of the System

The Talibes

The Importance of the Island of St. Louis, Senegal

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Challenges facing foster kids aging out of the system

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Dimitri Dunn is one of the nearly 25,000 kids poised to age out of the foster care system. NBC News' Cynthia McFadden has an in-depth look at the challenges they face and speaks with Franco Vega, the founder and CEO of the Right Way Foundation, about his mission to support those in need of assistance.

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Transitioning out is a difficult experience; within four years of aging out of the system, 50% will be unemployed and 50% will be unhoused, and 70% will depend on government assistance. Only 25% will ever earn a high school diploma, and less than 12% earn a bachelor’s degree. In 2021, 17% of Missouri youth that were in foster care after age 17 had experienced homelessness by age 21 (Public News Service). Not only does this make it difficult for the former foster teens to support themselves, but it can also make them feel isolated and helpless. These factors, along with the initial reasons that put them into the system and even just being in the system, are traumatic experiences for any child.

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Across the Atlantic lies the other part of this project, the talibes of Senegal. The talibes are young boys sent from their families to learn the Quran with Marabouts, who are important religious leaders in Senegal. However, many roam the streets begging for food and money instead. In St. Louis alone, there are believed to be over 7,000 talibes in the streets of St. Louis (Maison de la Gare). Being separated from their families and an education, these boys must bring themselves up just like kids in the foster care system.

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Art allows one to express mental and emotional feelings that they are unable to express verbally. When creating, cortisol levels are reduced in the brain, which reduces stress. According to the American Art Therapy Association, artistic expression decreases feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression, while fostering mindfulness, enhancing cognitive abilities, and helping regulate emotions. The prompt, “What is Happiness,” was created with this in mind. I hope you enjoy the selection of artwork presented, but also gain more insight into the global experiences of youth in transition.

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This section consists of artwork that related to the theme of family. These pieces show the parallels and contrasts of family dynamics both with their neighbors and across the ocean.

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Here is the section of favorite items, pastimes, hobbies that were mentioned in the participant's art. This section was created to show the range of the participant's interests.

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This section is reserved for characters created by participants.  This section was included because many of the artists created characters to express themselves or represent certain things.

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Medium: Pen and marker
The title of my art work is Emerald. This artwork was created with pen and marker. I made it bright and colorful because I wanted the art to be eye catching. I created this character to brighten other people’s days.

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Emily_ The title of my art work is Emerald. This artwork was created with pen and marker. I made it bright and colorful because I wanted the art to be eye catching. I created this character to brighten other peo

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My art work is hand drawn.

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Medium: paint
To me it represents my imagination flowing into the real world and breaking free of my mind. I love fall and the calming sound of water so I wanted to paint some of my favorite things.

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Medium: pen and marker

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Medium: paint

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Medium: clay
My dad has been dreaming about owning a motorcycle so I made him one. Included a kick stand so when it’s parked, it won’t fall over.

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Medium: graphite pencil
CoryxKensin. He’s my favorite youtuber because he’s kind and funny.

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Medium: graphite and colored pencil

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Medium: graphite pencil
This is Tom puss. I have been inspired to draw this because he reminds me of myself sitting and thinking about what can I draw next.

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Medium: paint
The creator of this piece says this boat is the best for fishing. For many people in Senegal, fishing is their main source of income.

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Medium: paint
Brazil is this participant's favorite soccer team.

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Medium: Colored pencil
My art work tells me to always know what my artistic thoughts will do to be more important to the people and myself from helping to overcome my depression and anxiety to make me stronger

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Medium: paint

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Medium: paint

The participant's father drives travelers across the country in his taxi, depicted above.

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Medium: paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: paint

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Medium: paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: paint

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Medium: paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: Paint

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Medium: paint
Xalat means "to think".