art with 'conviction'

Sorry, couldn't resist!

Last night I MC'd a prisoner art auction.  BigHouse art, JailHouse Art or Outsider Art (or really, should it be "insider" art?).

Part of the proceeds fund a camp for the prisoners' children.

Thanks to the compassionate people at Companions on the Journey for a beautiful evening!

I own a couple of the pieces pictured  

cool pics

tori
the art was created by the prisoners?   those pieces are really wonderful.
if they were done by inmates, that just goes to show how people that do
terrible things still have feelings... since i believe art is created by what a
person feels... and not just random stuff. 

very nice
k

yep Kelly, ALL the art was created by Westville Correctional Facility inmates! 

The artist statements were diverse, insightful, a tad bit disturbing yet a *fascinating* read!

hey vibes, thanks for the art show, I enjoyed it. I couldn't help but take long second looks at them, they are compeling.

naturegirl

Beautiful art, and the $ goes for a great cause!  To bad more people could not make a good living from their art then maybe some would not be breaking the law and be in prison. I have seen like these the most beautiful art, and cooks the most delicious food all by prisoners or soon to be, or exconvicits. And alot of good work when they have crews out to build things, they build it right!

 I sensed a hopelessness and a waning desire for freedom in the hauntingly beautiful works. Each expressing a desire for freedom. I commend you on your charitable work with the children's camps. I know which one I would have chosen. Which ones did you choose?
Nice post.
TnMountains

I sensed a hopelessness and a waning desire for freedom in the hauntingly beautiful works. Each expressing a desire for freedom. I commend you on your charitable work with the children's camps. I know which one I would have chosen. Which ones did you choose?
Nice post.
TnMountains

I bid on several pieces;  girl @ piano, flowers in vase, tiger and the B&W of child w/ green eyes.

I was hi bidder on Green eyes and tiger....so those are my 2 pieces:)

Beautiful art, and the $ goes for a great cause!  To bad more people could not make a good living from their art then maybe some would not be breaking the law and be in prison. I have seen like these the most beautiful art, and cooks the most delicious food all by prisoners or soon to be, or exconvicits. And alot of good work when they have crews out to build things, they build it right!

What I found interesting is when I was reading their art statements as the common theme is that many, when growing up, had no home to go to, or they felt they had no home.  As humans\, we all need a support system:)

hey vibes, thanks for the art show, I enjoyed it. I couldn't help but take long second looks at them, they are compeling.

naturegirl

naturegirl, I'm glad you enjoyed the show...and you're right, the art IS compelling...there were 90 pieces in the show, and some pieces you could tell the individual has a disturbed soul.

I know that photos seldom do justice to artwork, but those are all exceptional pieces.  I'm with TnMountains on commending you.  'A camp for the prisoner's children?'  I don't know who thought of that, but that's about the coolest thing I've heard of, not to even mention one of the most positive.  Good job and God bless everyone involved in that.

Some pretty good talent there.

I know that photos seldom do justice to artwork, but those are all exceptional pieces.  I'm with TnMountains on commending you.  'A camp for the prisoner's children?'  I don't know who thought of that, but that's about the coolest thing I've heard of, not to even mention one of the most positive.  Good job and God bless everyone involved in that.

I think it's a grand idea as well...that was the catalyst for me to get involved, the summer camp. 
I was sharing with another T-Net member that I am a HUGE believer of being proactive in MY community!
If a child comes from a home where one or BOTH parents are incarcerated, the odds of them following in their parents footsteps is a whopping 70%!!!!! 

Yes, there's a lot of talent..and hope:)

 The green eyed child and tiger are nice items. Did it have a short artist profile?  I have seen several programs involving prisons from Ministries to job placements. I think the children's camp sounds great. Its a great idea and hope it remains a huge success.
 I would like to nominate this for Honorable mention. 
Thank you
TnMountains