Art therapy has proven to be an effective tool for helping inmates and parolees cope with the pressures of incarceration and reintegration. The Open Door Tea Shop and Denver Arts and Skills Center (DASC), offers art therapy programs to recently released inmates. The Open Door Tea Shop also provides employment and mentorship opportunities to the formerly incarcerated. Kristen will share her compelling story of transforming herself into a community leader who is passionate about advocating for system-affected individuals. She will also share how she will soon be implementing art therapy in group settings inside restrictive housing, formerly known as solitary confinement.

Featuring:
Kristen Cardenas, Open Door Tea Shop & Denver Arts & Skills Center

Kristin Cardenas is owner of Open Door Tea Shop, a wife and a mother of 4 children. At Open Door, we hire formerly incarcerated individuals, train them and develop necessary social and communication skills needed to succeed in society. We also only sell only incarcerated and felon artwork. Kristin is also the Founder and Executive Director of Denver Arts & Skills Center (DASC). DASC teaches healing through art through art therapy and creative placemaking. DASC's trauma informed art therapy sessions which take place on Wednesday evenings for formerly incarcerated.

Learn More:
https://www.opendoorteashop.org/
https://www.denverdasc.org/