Nice picture of Lisa. She's holding a sign

The roll-out event for the Youth Shout Out program was a success today, says Sault Youth Association Executive Director Lisa Vezeau-Allen.

The first of several opportunities for Sault youth to express their thoughts and feelings about their hometown happened at the Art Gallery of Algoma.

Six local young people came out to put their thoughts on bristol board and be photographed today, like Vezeau-Allen, shown.

Messages included "Downtown youth friendly?" and "SooToday.com and Sault Star needs more journalism input from youth of the nation."

Vezeau-Allen says the Sault Youth Association will be bringing the project to youth around the Sault wherever they gather throughout the summer.

Then, in September, the education gallery at Art Gallery of Algoma will feature the results of the project.

"It's a way for youth to express what their thoughts and feelings are," said Vezeau-Allen. "It gives them a really healthy outlet to voice their opinions and I think it will be interesting for members of the community to come to the art gallery."

The communication project is the brainchild of Emma Piirtoneimi, a student at Algoma University who wanted to find a positive way for area youth to express their ideas and for others to access those ideas and thoughts.

All area youth are welcome to participate and no artistic talent or skill is required.

The Sault Youth Association hopes to bring the project to various venues such as Rotaryfest and Buskerfest throughout the summer so more young people can add their voices to the shout out at the gallery in September.