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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Ind. Law - "Art appreciation: Prisoner art project helps raise money"
Laurie Wink of the Michigan City News-Dispatch reports today in a story that begins:
WESTVILLE - Martha Russell, a self-described "older, single female," wasn't keen on the idea of working with male prisoners at the Westville Correctional Center."It was not my kind of thing," she said. "I wasn't sure I wanted to do it."
Since becoming coordinator of a prisoner art project at Westville, Russell said she's had some of the most moving experiences of her life. The art program is offered through Companions on the Journey, a South Bend non-profit organization that aims to reduce the number of ex-offenders who return to prison.
Because of Russell's efforts to promote the prisoners' art, children of Westville offenders will have financial support to attend Camp New Happenings, a summer camp offered by the Episcopal Church Diocese of Northern Indiana.
The prison art program gives offenders an outlet for their feelings and a chance to discover their talents. It's a voluntary program for those who want to participate.
Russell used $300 of her own money to purchase art supplies and instruction books. She brought them to a newly established art room in Westville's Plus Dormitory, a faith- and character-based residential unit.
"I'm not an artist," Russell said. "The only thing I could provide were supplies."
But she recognizes talent and was inspired by the prisoners' creativity to organize the first prisoner art show and auction this spring.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on May 27, 2009 12:59 PM
Posted to Indiana Law