Shakopee, MN Patch: The Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF)-Shakopee is sponsoring its first art show featuring 40 pieces of offender artwork. The art will be on display at the Scott County Historical Society Oct. 18 through Nov. 17, 2012. The art in this exhibition has been created by women at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee.
9 comments:
Again, I believe this is a great program. Sadly, people in prison are often discriminated against, and are stereotyped. Programs like this give inmates a chance to show that they are more than just criminals. I am glad that the DOC cares enough to put programs like this into action. Now, if only they would allow Shakespeare plays and other works to be produced with inmates in prisons. This article also proves how the arts can have a great impact on inmates and their behaviors. Some inmates may be best at expressing themselves through fine arts, however, there are many others who may need to express themselves in other medias, such as theatre. I think that the DOC needs to reconsider their ban on theatre productions within jails, as they have proven to be extremely effective in the past.
This seems to be a great program that the prison has set up for these women. In other prisons, theater and other art forms are also infused into the lives of the convicts and it makes a significant difference. The article is correct in saying that the art is a good alternative to anger, depression, stress, etc… Art is a way of getting rid of some of the emotional baggage and there always seems to be something more when it is done under stressful circumstances. It is even better for the women that they get to sell this art themselves and they can work towards something while in prison. It doesn’t get rid of their problems completely, but it is turning them to an alternative lifestyle that they may not have gotten the chance to experience in full in any other circumstance.
Initiatives like these are very valuable, both because they offer the inmates a chance to work out their possible issues through the arts, and also because they present said inmates to the community in a much more positive light, eventually allowing for a better reinsertion. I also think it's great that this specific program is putting the artwork up for exhibit and sale, because it adds to the inmates' sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
I think this is fantastic. Art, any kind of art, has been proven therapeutic and cathartic. Some of the worlds greatest pieces of art are born from the artists emotion they were feeling at the time. I would imagine that those in jail have many emotions within them. Releasing those emotions through artwork seems like a very reasonable method. I have heard of theatre in prisons before but never art programs. This also serves as exposure to the arts for people who, most likely, have not had that opportunity for much of their life. I say, right on.
Art is expressing yourself in a visual form. I think that everyone should at least find some form of art medium that they can do this in, not just in a correctional facility , however it saddens me to see this program going up and thriving with support and then to compare it to the Shakespeare program (Farther down the page.) which is not supported at all. Both are forms of art so I don't understand why one is encouraged and one removed completely. Both programs should be able to flourish in any environment because they are both art and any person could find a way to relate to them.
I would love to see this exhibit. I am so glad that programs like this exist. So often we hear about the seemingly hopeless conditions in correctional facilities, and it is so great to see this program, something that encourages growth and exploration among these women. There are so many problems with the way correctional facilities dehumanize inmates, and this program is a great example of a way to avoid this occurrence. Of course, this also shows the great impact art can have on multiple different people in different situations. It is great to see this art on display, adding even more to its worth and meaning to both the inmates and society.
I think art in prison is a great form of release and therapy for people. Its a multidimensional and i think the idea of giving these people a place to show their art is a great idea as well. Im sure depending on the passion involved it could also be used as a great incentive to do well and be good in prison.
I think this is fantastic. Art is the most powerful thing in the world because it appeals to the human mind, which is the most fragile thing in the world. Art can create love and hate, it can move people to action, whether that action is good or bad. I love how this program helps women prove their personal worth to themselves. The great thing about it is that there is no wrong or right way to create art. So whatever these women create, they will gain the confidence to enter society again as a new person. Art also clears the mind and allows the artist to think and reflect on past as well as wonder what lies in the future.
Another article that's unique for a number of reasons! I like that this focuses on a women's prison! I think most, if not all, of the ones I've read so far were about men's prisons. Secondly, this is about art and not theatre, which I also love! When I was little, I had a hard time understanding my emotions and the reasons for them. I turned to art and writing whenever I was upset and confused. I used to draw pictures to express how I was feeling, and it helped me so much to get in touch with myself. I feel like I know myself very well because of that. Now, without having the pick up a pen and paper (though I still do), I can almost always identify my emotions and the reasons behind them. I think art can be so powerful for that reason, and giving inmates the chance to funnel their emotions and express their feelings with art discourages violence and encourages rehabilitation. This quote at the end of the article is noteworthy: "The Department of Corrections Mission: Reduce recidivism by promoting offender change through proven strategies during safe and secure incarceration and effective community supervision."
Post a Comment