Photography, like any other art, can be used as a tool for healing and self-exploration.

ProjectFocus Hawaii was established in 2005 as a means to enrich the lives of children suffering from emotional or physical problems. Through photography the children are taught self-esteem and self-reflection.

These photos are from the recent “;Reawakening”; project, a collaboration with Ka Hale Ho'ala Hou no na Wahine and the Women's Community Correctional Center. The project lasted 12 weeks last summer.

The children of incarcerated women served as both the photographic subjects and the photographers in the project. Photographers Laurie Callies and Lisa Uesugi made portraits of the children, who, in turn, photographed their mothers at the prison, using Holga cameras.

“;This was the first time the kids got to go to where their mothers are incarcerated,”; Callies says.

The results of the program are often long-lasting. Some of the children in previous programs have been able to attend private schools through scholarships offered by individuals and businesses.

“;The community can do so much by coming out and supporting these children. We're trying to help them have a positive experience so that they don't have to make the same choices their parents made,”; Callies says.

“;Reawakening”; will be on display in the Honolulu Hale Courtyard from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays through Jan. 29.

More photographs can also be seen at the Web site projectfocushawaii.com.