Healing Arts Turtle Sculpture at the United Nations

An art healing project done by children and teens at the Main Street Counseling Center in Stroudsburg is on display at the United Nations building for all to see.

In November 2008, the internationally renowned artist Marietta Dantonio-Fryer, whose work has been exhibited in museums around the world and also at the United Nations, offered her services to the center to create a turtle-shaped mural project.

Paul Boggia, counselor at Main Street Counseling Center, said professor Dantonio-Fryer worked with the children and teens for three days to create a 7-foot-tall turtle for the lobby of at the Main Street Counseling Center.

Six children, ages 9 to 16, who utilize services from the counseling center worked on this project together.

Art therapy is a mental health option used to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of a person. It is based on the belief that being creative can help people reduce stress, increase self-esteem and solve problems.

Dantonio-Fryer submitted the turtle to the United States Art Committee for consideration for selection at the United Nations Art Exhibit Hall. The committee voted to include the turtle for exhibition at the United Nations in New York City.

A documentary was filmed while the children worked on the sculpture, and was submitted to the art committee.

"It was reported by the United Nations Art Curator that over 350,000 people from around the world view our turtle each month," Boggia said.

Children and teens from the center visited the United Nations in June and were given a private tour by the United Nations art curator.

The 40-pound turtle has been at the U.N. and will remain on display through the end of July.

"The impact of this experience on our children and teens was awesome as they are glowing with pride at their achievement," Boggia said. "The turtle project was truly a team effort and during the three days that our children and teens worked together their sense of trust, belonging and unity markedly grew."