Art Behind Bars is a surprising and successful program of prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration through art. Since 1994, the program has taught over 1,000 classes to 7,500 inmates while donating $192,000 worth of artwork to other community organizations to use in their own fundraising efforts. The program saves Monroe County millions of dollars annually by preventing returns to prison.
We caught up with founder Lynn Vantriglia at their recent closing party and exhibition at Florida Keys Community College. The library was packed full of wonderful art, more than we can show you here. The creative output from these students is inspiring to see. They reminded me of the Treasures of American Folk Art exhibition which I saw last year at the Smithsonian. Art outside the mainstream educational system is definitely a legitimate and fascinating aspect of art culture, and one worth investigating.
In this video, we meet Candy Mense, one of the shining success stories of the program. Through her participation in Art Behind Bars, Candy went from being a repeat offender to graduating from college with a degree in addiction prevention. ABB is a great program that proves art can contribute to society in many ways we have yet to fully explore. Don't miss the wonderful performance by Mary Spear, a popular Key West musician who lends her talents to many community events. Thanks, Lynn, for inviting us!
Art + Community... That's Just How We Roll, Baby!
