NEWS

January 28, 2009
Art from behind prison walls

For those outside the imposing walls of the Iowa State Penitentiary, life inside is rarely glimpsed.

Next month, however, the Fort Madison Area Arts Association will give people on the outside a rare look into the lives and psyche of a handful of the men who inhabit the maximum-security prison.

For its February exhibition, the FMAAA will host "incARceraTed," a showing of fine art created by ISP inmates. A first -- but probably not last -- collaboration between the arts association and the prison, said FMAAA director Brian Riggs.

The show opens with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6 at the FMAAA gallery, 825 Avenue G, Fort Madison.

The art show is a chance to break stigmas and change misconceptions people may have about inmates at the prison, Riggs said.

"There is probably a wealth of skill and knowledge base there that normally never gets beyond those walls," Riggs said. "I think one thing we're trying to do is show you what is behind those walls, at least one aspect of it."

Riggs called previews of the art "edgy" but not blatantly offensive.

"I think they (viewers) want more than just a nice safe show from ISP," Riggs said. "We're hoping to get some pieces that you look at and maybe you see some emotion: anger, rage, joy, sorrow. I'm looking for pieces that will evoke some emotion in the viewer."

The art show is an opportunity for the prison and offenders to give something back to the community, said ISP spokeswoman Rebecca Bowker.

"It's an opportunity to show community involvement, which normally maximum-security prisons are not allowed to do. And for that they should be applauded," Riggs said.

Artwork will be for sale, and a portion of the proceeds, 10 percent, will benefit the FMAAA children's art programs. The rest of the funds will be paid to the artists, who purchase their own supplies and materials.

The show is sponsored by the Fort Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The idea for the show came from FMCVB director Sandy Brown, who was inspired by a similar show in Huntsville, Texas.

For prison inmates, participation in the art show is a reward to strive for as the artists must meet behavior requirements, Bowker said.

It was unclear whether the names of the artists would be released with the paintings.

Brown and Riggs said the names of the artists would not be provided. However, Bowker said prison officials are working to get permission to release the artists' names.

Art by ISP inmates has been displayed in the area before, including at the Lee County Fair, Brown said.

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