RIVERSIDE - The artwork of teenage girls and young women impacted by violence, drug abuse and sex-related exploitation will be showcased beginning Thursday in an exhibit meant to tell the artists' stories.

"The Authentic Self" exhibition will be unveiled at 11 a.m. Thursday during a reception at the Riverside Community Arts Association, 3870 Lemon St.

The expressionistic art, created by students in the Women Wonder Writers' mentorship program, will be on display until March 16.

The WWW program, founded by Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Debra Postil, provides life skills assistance to at-risk youth and young adults by Advertisement

[ Murrieta Volkswagen ] encouraging them to explore their emotions and experiences through creative processes.

Participants often come from broken homes and have been exposed to gang violence, drugs, abuse and other negatives that landed them in the criminal justice system, according to Postil.

She said "The Authentic Self" is a collection of "introspective visual arts" produced by the girls and women, who range in age from 12 to 22.

"The exhibit will also feature 'Making of the Girl,' youth story board collages addressing sex-trafficking, drugs, bullying and child abuse," Postil said.

A wider Riverside Arts Walk reception is scheduled for March 7.