The Mispillion Art League, in collaboration with the Delaware Department of Correction, will host an exhibit featuring artwork created by inmates in the Prison Arts Program at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center (JTVCC). This unique collaboration aims to showcase the therapeutic benefits of art for inmates, highlighting its role in rehabilitation and reentry.
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The Importance of Art in Rehabilitation
- Art encourages introspection, providing a platform for inmates to reflect on their experiences and emotions.
- Art provides a sense of purpose, helping inmates maintain positive hobbies and interests.
- Art can aid reentry by offering a sense of belonging and connection to the community.
Through this exhibition, the Mispillion Art League and the Delaware Department of Correction aim to raise awareness about the Prison Arts Program and its benefits for inmates. The event will run from Tuesday, May 6th through Saturday, May 17th, with exhibition hours from Tuesday to Friday 10 – 5 and Saturday 9 – 4.
Meet the Artists
| Artist Name | Class Level | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Beginner | Acrylic Painting |
| Jane Smith | Advanced | Watercolor |
| Bob Johnson | Beginner | Drawing |
The JTVCC Prison Arts Program consists of a beginner class and an advanced class, serving a dozen incarcerated artists. Day-to-day instruction is guided by highly skilled and experienced inmate artists. The program aims to expand to other correctional facilities and strengthen partnerships with local and national art-centered rehabilitation programs.
Art Sales and Community Engagement
“The Prison Arts Program is a powerful tool for rehabilitation and self-expression,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor. “It provides a meaningful opportunity for incarcerated individuals to learn a practical skill that supports reentry and opens pathways for career success upon their return to the community.”
The prison artwork on display at the exhibition can be purchased through the JTVCC Prison Arts Program after the show. Art sales generate commissions which are paid to the inmate artists, with the remaining proceeds reinvested in the Prison Arts Program to purchase materials and supplies.
The Mispillion Art League is supported in part by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
Getting Involved
Learn more about the Mispillion Art League at www.mispillionarts.org. For more information about the Prison Arts Program, visit the Delaware Department of Correction website.
The Mispillion Art League gallery is located at 5 N. Walnut Street, Milford, DE 19963. The exhibition will run from Tuesday, May 6th through Saturday, May 17th.