Inspired by Extraordinary Portraits
Artist Karen Turner (right) with Millie Anna (left) and her portrait that was featured in Extraordinary Portraits
Credit: Steve Lake (BBC)
Visible Youth Collective began with a quiet, persistent thought I couldn’t shake. As a child therapist, I spend my days striving to give children something both simple and, at times, exceedingly difficult to rein in: my full, undivided attention. I know how powerful it is for a child to feel truly seen—to have someone slow down, notice them, and meet them exactly where they are. That experience alone can be deeply affirming and healing.
One day, while watching Extraordinary Portraits, I found myself noticing parallels between the relationship that a portrait artist and a sitter have and the therapist and patient/client relationship. For those unfamiliar with this amazing television program, each episode pairs everyday people (who have incredible stories to tell) with visual artists who take the time to see them, interpret them, and ultimately reflect them back through art. The connection, the care, and the quiet transformation in how people see themselves is enough to give me goosebumps every time! As a fan of the program, I kept thinking: I wish the children I work with could experience this. And as is sometimes the case, a persistent, nagging wish can become the seed for an idea.
Historically, portraiture has been reserved for those with power, influence, or wealth—often excluding those with extraordinary stories to tell. While kids today may see countless photos of themselves, there is something entirely different about being the subject of intentional, handcrafted art. To be given the time and space to be seen and heard, and then translated through another person’s care and creativity—it communicates worth in a way few other experiences can.
I believe every child deserves these kind of moments. Moments where they are not rushed, overlooked or defined by circumstances out of their control—but instead fully seen. This initiative exists to create those moments for young people who do not get many opportunities for this in their day to day life: to offer youth at risk the rare and meaningful experience of portraiture as a form of connection, empowerment, and expression. Because when a young person sees themselves reflected with care and intention, it can shift how they understand their own story—and their place in the world.
I highly recommend that anyone reading this watch an episode (or all episodes!) of Extraordinary Portraits to better understand the powerful, healing process of portraiture when it is done in a collaborative and intentional way. We are grateful to any program that highlights the human need for artistic expression, as well as the right to create, participate in and have access to art!
Sarah Zwikelmaier, VYC Founder
