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c economist 8t suntribune youth thursday jan 20 2000 13 youths use artistic expression to help curb teen violence bymikeadler staff writer markham has fallen deep beneath a blanket of teenage violence says a local youth who believes a chance for artistic expression will help we want to reach the teenagers from a teenage perspective said kevin ker founder of somnia productions the hardest time of life to express yourself is when youre a teenager added ker formerly known as the lead singerguitarist for a local band insomnia the one thing i find that everybody shares is art im not stating that its going to cure the vio lence but it will cool it down his new business is hoping for official support and private donations ker said somnia hopes to put on its first show with bands and artists in town this spring the outfit hopes it can join young people musicians artists photographers together artis tically while promoting young artists and their art ker and his friend chris mitchell a director of somnia have no doubt their services are needed theres nothing in this town where you can express yourself artistically ker insisted like ker a graduate of markham district high school mitchell said school shootings last year in littleton colo and calgary are a constant theme in the conversations of teenagers here everyones concerned about it its not hard to see why given the nearobsessive attention media and politicians are giving youth crime but there are troubling incidents in markham too during one week in the town last month a 17yearold was arrested and charged with making threats against his former fellow students at markham district high school nine rifles were found in his home a 16yearold was charged with assault after his brother 19 was found stabbed at middlefield collegiate two teens at markville secondary were arrested after showing off devices described at the time by police as pipe bombs to fellow students with the apparent increase in youth violence somnia productions could not have opened shop at a more appropriate time said jacquie hermans commu nity resource coordinator for the town of markhams recreation department hermans who acts as facilitator for the mayors youth task force said youth violence is a hot issue thisyear providing youth an artistic outlet will encour age selfexpression companionship sense of belonging and increased selfesteem she said ker can be reached at 416 8984181 kevin ker markham youth forms somnia productions as an outlet for teen expression brandnew floor model sale beat the price increase olhausen pool tables montrachet solid oak smev over 900 sheraton all models italian slate other floor models available mm augusta solid oak mlrl 810 3 seaway pools billiards hot tubs 25 heritage rd at mccowan markham hours monwed 95 thurs fri 97 sat 95 2948030 markville mall m the bay seaway pools 1 north of hwy7 seongs taekwontx acad official medal event at the 2000 sydney olympics discipline respect concentration selfdefense selfcontrol selfesteem great exercise niche decor bringing downtown uptown f new year special 1 year membership fee free trial classes available free uniform with this ad 190 bullock drive m mcc bullock dr wan mali i st hwy 7 wwwtaekwoncom 905 2941884 up to 147a main st unionville 905 4798385