Assemblywoman Noreen Evans and state Sen. Patricia Wiggins, both of whom represent Napa County in their respective legislative chambers, hosted a group from Napa’s Aldea Children and Family Services on Feb. 23 at the state Capitol.

The young people exhibited the original artwork used to make Aldea’s Art Therapy Calendar 2009 in their offices. Sixteen students, family members and local supporters Chris Manson (St. Joseph’s Health System) and Sister Marian Schubert (Queen of the Valley Medical Center) were among those traveling to Sacramento for the event.

Evans and Wiggins had sent a letter to their legislative colleagues, state elected officials, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger encouraging them to join in recognizing the organization. In the letter, the pair noted that Aldea Children and Family Services “has been changing lives and creating bright futures since 1972. This nonprofit organization supports and empowers young people with serious social, mental and behavioral difficulties to grow to be independent, productive adults through professional, compassionate mental health and child welfare services. Services provided by Aldea include foster care, advocacy for parents, educational services, residential and outpatient psychiatric and counseling services, and supported living services.”

Aldea has been producing the calendar for 10 years. Art featured in the calendar is produced by children in Napa and Solano counties who participate in the Art Therapy Program. Creating the artwork is a way for children to express their feelings, build self-esteem, and enjoy a sense of achievement. The selection process for the artwork starts each spring and the calendar features different media, including sculpture, Styrofoam prints, mixed media and paintings. For eight of the nine past years, the Aldea Children’s Art Therapy Calendars have won the National Calendar Awards’ Gold Medal for best nonprofit desk calendar.