FROM INSIDE OUT

"This class is one of the greatest privileges I have participated in since my incarceration. . .  'Pride' is a word lost to us, but we find a little of its essence after completion of a painting or a few kind words of a lesson learned from our teachers. . . . thank you truly for giving us a chance to remember greatness is in us all and may be achieved with instruction."

Student at Dillwyn Correctional Center

"I watch their expression of their thoughts and inner feelings as they work very hard at the art.  It gives them an outlet they need and want.  The program has turned out to be everything we hoped it would be. . . [the art teacher's] enthusiasm is contagious and their expertise is second to none. . .'FROM INSIDE OUT' can be summed up as a strategic boost for the inmate to place himself in a position for re-entry into society."

Treatment Supervisor at Buckingham Correctional Center

"Several offenders have stated that prior to this class they had no interest in art, but [the art teachers] have made it so interesting and fun, they can't wait to see what the next class will bring. . . [the art teachers] have definitely made a positive impact on the lives of the offenders in this unit.  They continue to let them know, 'there is no such thing as bad art.'"

 Warden at Dillwyn Correctional Center

"Those who have never experienced prison from the inside out cannot never hope to know its effect on the human spirit. . . . With that said, recently an art class was introduced to a few of Virginia's prisons.  Not knowing what I was getting myself into by signing up for this class, I can remember the instructor saying, 'no negativity.'  It took a while before it became a part of me; however, when it did I found myself saying those words, 'no negativity.'  The atmosphere of this class is more than inspirational, it creates the desire to ultimately triumph over the oppressive environment of prison.  More importantly, the effect it has over our lives is a means of rehabilitation.

I want to say thanks to [the art teachers] for taking the time out of their daily lives. . .it truly means a lot. So if a picture is worth a thousand words, let every picture tell you a story, because this is my story. 

Student at Buckingham Correctional Center