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There are a number of sites on the internet where those who cannot create can buy works of art done by artists from around the globe. Some of the sites feature what has become known as “prison art”. Drawings done by prisoners who have been introduced to supplies that allow them to spend their hours creating and expressing their feelings through their drawings and paintings are sold on sites such as etsy.

At the Clark County Jail, Sheriff Gene Kelly recently introduced the idea of prison art to some of those spending their days as guests of the facility. Because art supplies can easily be turned into weapons, Kelly explained that the prisoners are given small pencils such as those used at the mini golf park to keep score. They also can use blue ink pen replacement cartridges or crayons to create their original works.

Kelly recently had the idea that if the prisoners were interested, they could donate their drawings which are done on copier paper to Rocky Point Chapel to be sold at the Enon Apple Butter Festival this year. With their permission, Kelly donated frames that he purchased so that visitors could buy a framed drawing. The money would then be used to give back to the community via Rocky Point’s ministry program.

All of the pieces displayed showed great promise for some of the prisoners. A sketch of Mohamed Ali was especially well done by the pencil artists. It captured Ali in his youth as a strong boxer ready to take the championship.

A moving piece done in blue ink depicts perhaps the inner most thoughts of the artist showing the king and queen of hearts from a deck of playing cards. Within the drawing one finds a heart that has a burning love for the queen who has a gentle face while the king shows a stronger angle to his facial features with a sword or dagger near his head. A diamond glows softly behind the card of the king while what look like angel wings soften the effect of the drawing that has a cross clearly in the center of the couple.

Researchers have found that prison art is a form of therapy for those who are incarcerated and often can lead to less problems in a jail. It allows prisoners to express themselves and those who suffer from mental illness can find peace in creating their drawings.

One of the other interesting pieces which was purchased at the booth depicts a butterfly and humming bird gently waiting to draw nectar from carefully crafted lilies in the pencil drawing. Color was added to this artwork that could not have come from crayons. When asked, Sheriff Kelly explained that this was a true example of prison art techniques. The artists soaked Skittle candy in water to get the colors and then fashioned a paint brush from simple facial tissues. The results were stunning.

Kelly also noted that this is the first time this idea of selling the simple art pieces was considered and the prisoners were eager to see their drawings provide community enrichment through the ministry.

The prisoners were also provided with magnets so that they could display their art for the guards and others to enjoy.

The prison librarian has also been encouraging many of the prisoners to express themselves through art work. Magazines and paperback books in the library can serve as inspiration for the pieces now and into the future.

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