Driving down Main Street in our small town can feel like strolling through an art exhibit. The La Plata mountains create a gorgeous backdrop, surrounding our valley. The many murals painted along street buildings illustrate the creativity that thrives in this community. Every few months, a new mural appears around town, adding to the whimsical personality of Durango. The creative spirit lives within our youth as well; La Plata Youth Services (LPYS) aims to share the artistic talents and expressions of young people at the annual Unchain My HeART Art Showcase.
Founded in 1994, LPYS provides crucial services to youth facing challenges at home, in school, and in the justice system. By building resilience, confidence, and connections, the organization supports students through restorative justice, mentoring, school-based mental health services, and community partnerships. With a commitment to culturally responsive, trauma-informed programming, LPYS empowers young people to overcome barriers and thrive as engaged members of the community.
Jason St. Mary, the Executive Director of LPYS and HUB Program Director, said this showcase is “another way to honor and celebrate the creativity, the talent, and the uniqueness of the young people in our communities.” Youth can submit multiple pieces of their art to the showcase and price their work with the hope of selling it. All the profit from the artwork is given back to the artist. “When students sell a piece, there is so much confidence and self-worth that comes in for them… it is just another way to bolster the voices of young people through artistic means,” said St. Mary. Pride is one of the protective factors highlighted in the strategies and work of LPYS’s programs.
This event is also one of the largest fundraisers for LPYS. The silent auction has fantastic items donated by local organizations and businesses. Donors also provide food and drinks for the event. Last year, the talented mixologist Roberto Delgado Reyes from El Moro Tavern made mocktails, and youth bands from iAM MUSIC entertained with live music. This event is a community effort and made all the better with the support of locals. All the proceeds go back to LPYS and its programs.
Jennifer Mestas, LPYS Office Manager, encourages everyone to come out and show their support for our young artists! Unchain My HeART Showcase is “for people in our community to see what these youth can do and how artistic they are,” she states. Mestas helps organize art workshops throughout the year, providing the space for young people to create artwork and be their authentic selves. “It gives them a chance to come in, hang out, have some free pizza, and do some artwork,” she said. Mestas also highlights that this event is “a chance for [our youth] to feel good about the artwork they do” and attend an art show that is specifically for them. She beams as she says, “It’s great to see them with their smiles on their faces when they come into the art show and realize that their art piece is gone… they are so excited!” Moments like these highlight the value of the work.
St. Mary speaks about the intentionality behind LPYS’s efforts: “When we say we want all students to thrive, that’s what we really mean—not just the ones who look like me but those who have been marginalized and oppressed for generations. It’s a big piece of why we do what we do and the intentionality of how we do that. So, through strategic partnerships and innovative programming, we are very intentional with how and where we serve young people.”
Celebrating its 30th year, LPYS’s impact continues to grow, thanks to its holistic, supportive approach to youth development. “Providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed programming is the essence and the core of who we are,” St. Mary emphasizes.
Unchain My HeART Showcases on February 21st from 4-7 at the FLC Center for Innovation on the 2nd floor of the Main Mall, 835 Main Ave Suite 225, Durango, CO 81301. Get your tickets early at lpys.org/unchainmyheart.
Support young people and celebrate, harness, and see what’s emanating from their creative minds and spaces.