Kane County's Art Therapy
What began as a wall-decorating project for the recently renovated Kane County Court's Family Order of Protection Division turned into a collaborative effort benefitting both staff and over 40 specialty court participants of the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Family Order of Protection Division Coordinator Elizabeth Williamson explained that after their department was renovated to better serve individuals seeking orders of protection, the team considered how artwork could enhance the space to feel safe and welcoming. However, with artwork being costly and preferences varying widely, the staff decided to adopt an abstract theme.
“A few years ago, during COVID, my neighbor did pour paintings, and I thought they were interesting," Williamson shared. "Our staff is creative in their own ways and loves color and patterns. We agreed to create our artwork together using pour paintings.”
Williamson saw an opportunity to expand the project’s impact by involving participants in the county's specialty courts. These courts—DUI Problem-Solving Court, Drug Rehabilitation Court, Treatment Alternative (Mental Health) Court, and Veterans Court—already provide participants with group activities like book clubs, art shows, and movie discussions. Williamson believed that participating in the art project could give participants a sense of ownership and progress in their treatment plans.
She pitched the idea to Presiding Judge of the DUI Problem-Solving Court Rene Cruz and Judge Christine Downs of the Drug Rehabilitation Court and Treatment Alternative Court. The team developed a series of collaborative events to create artwork for the courthouse while allowing participants to make their own pieces to take home.
The staff selected colors with meaningful symbolism for their pieces: purple to stand against domestic violence, teal to support survivors of sexual assault, and blue to represent standing against child abuse. Specialty court participants were encouraged to choose colors that held personal significance for their own canvases.
Williamson, along with her colleagues Mikaela Thorne and Cassandra Gasca, worked with small groups in the Kane County Judicial Center jury lounge. Initially, there was noticeable tension among participants. “Some worried they would be judged for a lack of talent,” Williamson said. She reassured them, explaining, “In pour painting, no brushes or tools are involved.”
Participants simply selected their colors, and staff demonstrated the pouring technique. Williamson recalled the transformation: “A few seconds later, as their masterpieces began to emerge, the tension evaporated. Everyone was excited about their creations—every single one was a masterpiece.”
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants brought their families, and some shared how much they enjoyed the experience. Judge Cruz noted, “One participant and his wife enjoyed it so much that they’re doing painting on their date nights.” Treatment Alternative Court Program Coordinator Julissa Gonzalez added, “It was nice to hear participants’ interpretations of what their pieces reminded them of.”
Williamson reflected on the project’s success: “It was wonderful to see families spending time together and being supportive. Everyone seemed to truly enjoy the opportunity to be creative.”
