Teens get creative

COEUR d'ALENE - AHA! Creative, a print and graphics company on Sherman Avenue, welcomed a few teenagers from Project Safe Place on Friday afternoon.

Furnished with paper and markers, the teens created their own artwork. Then, the staff at AHA! Creative transformed their drawings into bumper stickers and posters.

The teens learned about the creative design process, from inception to finished product.

"It seems to get their wheels turning, and shows them they can turn their creativity into a tangible industry," said Ali Koski, owner of AHA! Creative. "They can see where it can take them in the future."

Project Safe Place in Coeur d'Alene, a Volunteers of America program, was founded in 1999. The nonprofit provides intensive support services to at-risk youth (ages 13-17) and their families, according to a press release.

Support services include a teen drop-in center that provides hot meals, case management, educational groups and access to free recreational activities.

"Being able to be creative, and also engage in services outside our program, helps the (teens) deal with certain issues and things that have gone on in their life," said Project Safe Place Director Brandi Smitherman.

Friday's activity at AHA! Creative allowed the kids to express themselves and interact with their community, she added.

"We've had many, many youth come through (Project Safe Place) who were interested in doing this sort of thing. (Creative design) can provide a paying job, and a professional career."

AHA! Creative opened in February 2010. The company produces designs, prints, signs, graphics and apparel, and has often teamed up with other local nonprofits.

Koski and her colleagues hosted the teens free of charge.

"I hope to continue to work with kids in the community," Koski said, "to show them what these tools can be used for."