The historic Ohio State Reformatory played host on Friday to an Inmate Art Show, featuring works created by inmates of neighboring Mansfield Correctional Institution (ManCI) and Richland Correctional Institution (RiCI).
Funds raised from the sale of items at the annual event have a dual benefit, with 20 percent donated to Richland Academy and the remainder deposited into the inmate’s account. That money is used for many things, including court fees, restitution, child support, and even more art supplies, according to RiCI Correctional Wardens Assistant Jennifer Gillece.
The show featured 420 pieces, which were going quickly on Friday as patrons lined up to purchase paintings, sketches and baskets.
Ann Brown attends the event every year. This year’s purchase included paintings of Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse for her grandchildren. “I find things that I can use and enjoy,” she said
Brown said she attends mainly to support the program, which helps keep inmates industrious as well as developing their talent. “There’s talent out there, obviously, as you can see,” she said, indicating the works on display.
“Some of the art was incredible. I think this year is the best year in terms of variety and number. You can definitely tell the evolution of the talent. They are talented people and it’s nice they can do a program like this,” said Brown.
Items on display ranged from jewelry, origami, sculptures, and craft items to baskets, sketches and paintings.
Supplies are purchased by the inmates through approved vendors. The art, though therapeutic, is generally something inmates do on their own time, rather than as part of a program, noted Gillece.
ManCI Recreational Administrator LuAnn Bay said, “Music and art are probably two of the best things they can do while incarcerated. They can do this their entire life.”
Bay added that one ManCI inmate teaches art, as well as music, to other inmates and creates some of the most popular items in the art show.
Gillece added that the facilities, both RiCI and ManCI, are always on the lookout for ways that offenders may contribute to the community.
“They get a lot out of doing that, the offender benefits, the community benefits. Both facilities can always use community service projects,” she said.
“We are a little bit flexible in what we can do [at RiCI], because our security classification is lower,” Gillece said.
Gillece noted that the inmates can assist many of the local nonprofit organizations by creating pamphlets or other items, and have even created Easter baskets for community organizations. It is requested, however, that organizations donate the supplies whenever possible.
“We’re always looking for plastic bags to make more mats,” she added, referring to the mats for the displaced that the RiCI inmates create, as described in a previous Richland Source article.
Gillece may be reached at Jennifer.Gillece@odrc.state.oh.us for more information on RiCI projects. For ManCI projects, contact Penny Gosser at Penny.Gosser@odrc.state.oh.us .
The art show is held at the historic Ohio State Reformatory, located at 100 Reformatory Road, Mansfield, on July 18 and 19, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and is free to attend. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted for the purchase of artwork.
