“Do you believe in redemption?” asks a senior Maine prison executive during a piece on CBS Sunday Morning News yesterday called “Art by the incarcerated.“ The piece can be linked to below, but here is a summary of its theme.
“Inmates at Maine’s state prisons, many of whom are facing decades behind bars without a chance of parole, are finding new purpose through creative expression, making artwork and crafts for sale outside of prison walls. Correspondent Nancy Giles reports on a program that correction officials say has reduced recidivism dramatically.”
The art these incarcerated men are creating ranges from paintings to carvings to furniture to crochets to dollhouses and other crafts. Their creations are sold in nearby shops and presented in galleries. Some men will never get out due to their crimes, yet those who do have one thing largely in common – they do not return.
The recidivism rate, where inmates are sent back to prison, has reduced to 5%. That is not a misprint. Saying it differently, only 1 in 20 of these men return to prison. These incarcerated men have gained a new purpose and focus for their post-prison lives. As the inmates noted, they have families on the outside who still care for them. So, for their loved ones to see their artwork in a gallery or to be able to buy it in a store is beyond encouraging.
As the above executive noted, regardless of one’s political beliefs, we are spending $46,000 per annum to incarcerate someone. If we do not teach them how to do better once they leave and address the underlying problems, then that $46,000 is a bad spend. The men have learned a new calling, either through teaching or being self-taught. One man learned to carve an elaborate Golden Eagle from a book. Another called his skill “learning by trial and error.”
The fledgling program was fueled by a $2 million donation by Doris Buffett, who is from the area. Her last name shows a relationship to her wealthy and philanthropic brother. One of the co-curators of the museum noted when she first met these men, she was struck by how unlike they were from her initial perceptions. She noted how “kind” they were.
These are the kinds of stories that need a wide audience. Teaching people new skills pays dividends. Not only to them, but the dividends are paid to society by helping them avoid future incarceration and contribute to the economy and community.
musingsofanoldfart 
Note to Readers: A friend of mine has a daughter who taught in prison for awhile. The experience was positive for her and the inmates. With the abundance of time, productive use can be most helpful. Teaching art and allowing for its exploration is a great idea on so many levels. I could see the same with other forms of expression like music playing and singing.
That’s right, prevention helps save money and lives.
Erika, you are so right. Keith
This proves education and motivation within prison is a wise investment.
Agreed. The US has the highest incarceration rate, so any effort to reduce recividism is well placed. Keith