I am personally no expert, certified or otherwise in the field of prisons and rehabilitation. What I may be qualified in, though, is a first-hand account of how a privilege of arts and crafts, and the teachings therein, can dramatically alter a person’s life. That education is the medicine to cure the wayward ignorance of a criminally prone mind. For prisoners this is two-fold, because of the therapeutic nature of the process and the incentive it creates by the privilege it presents.
It is my belief that should more people be given an opportunity for education and performance in the arts that it would produce profoundly positive results. This would be evident both in the shaping of creative energies within and the strength of restraint without. Not only would the privilege and education of the arts create an active incentive, but the teaching of such a skill would help mold and shape the necessary discipline that only art and education can demand without saying a word.
When I lose myself in the landscapes I might create, or stare into the eyes of a drawing and recognize the person therein, something profound happens. A sense of pride, awe and sometimes a little wonder, at the fact that I could articulate an idea, a thought or emotion without the words to frame it. It is my wish that more people could enjoy this self-gratification. Through my art, I have discovered parts of myself otherwise uncharted. Through my creations I have found a measure of self worth and I wish others could find this as well.
The skills learned, honed and perfected working at various arts teach dedication, restraint and that hard work pays. This also presents a palpable result, one in which a healthy identity can be assumed by a positive re-enforcement of an alternative way of thinking. By seeing trough the lens of an artist, one can appreciate subtle nuances previously unseen.
The penological interest can be found in the application of this project as a privilege, not a right. With transferable skills that can yield very real results outside the fences of prison. Given the opportunity it is my belief that this incentive would not only give offenders another reason to remain charge free by adhering to the posted rules and regulations, but positively change their thought by interrupting possible patterns of criminal behavior. Positive re-enforcement can be as effective if not more so than the latter.
I know that other institutions in Virginia have similar privileges concerning arts and crafts. Yet there has yet to be a forerunner in the education of arts. Be it graphic arts, paints, pencil or whatever medium it may be, art may be the muse to inspire real change in the environment in which it lives. It is my hope that Greensville Correctional may find the value in this and truly consider this as a viable option.
- Penological interest in added incentive for offenders to remain charge free by
- Making an “Art Pass” – Only offenders with this pass may order and own art supplies
- To qualify, an offender must be charge free for at least six months, and stay charge free
- Educational and rehabilitative opportunities for offenders
- To create positive, safe, productive and therapeutic activities to pass the time
- Re-enforcing positive thinking habits and behaviors
- Studies have shown that arts & crafts related recreation may have a large contribution to reducing recidivism, thereby assisting in the community as well.
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Image: LloydsArtCenter.com
