Young artist showcases 'Peace Flags' at Windsor Youth Centre

A young Windsor artist who has found peace through art is showcasing her latest collection at the Windsor Youth Centre a place of refuge that provided her support and direction.

"The idea came from finding peace in my own personal life and it evolved into expanding that into the world," ShaneDavis said on Windsor Morning.

Davis sought assistance from the youth centre when she was 19 and said staff there helped her find her footing in an uncertain world. They provided her support and helped her find her first job.

"I can feel myself and it's 100 per cent accepted there," said Davis. "It becomes like a family, like a home. It's just something you can't find in a lot of places in Windsor or the world."

The collection on display this week called Peace in Pieces features 15-hand drawn pieces Dennis refers to as Peace Flags. Also on sale are her original bookmarks.

Tamara Kowalska, the centre's executive director, called the artwork "intricate" and remarkable. She said Dennis was a thoughtful and considerate person who have given much back to the centre.

The youth centre serves about 57 clients a day, six days a week. They offer evening drop-in hours with a hot meal and also assist disadvantaged youth with housing, income assistance or the search for employment.

"This is the place of Windsor's unknowns. There's a spirit of generosity in the place," said Kowalska. "There's so much depth, there's so much life, there's so much kindness. It's wonderful. It's my favourite place to be."

The exhibit is open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday night; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The youth centre is located at 1247 Wyandotte Street East.