The "Art in Prison" exhibit at Honolulu Hale presents works created by inmates at the Federal Detention Center, Honolulu. This untitiled work done in crayon is by John.

Artistry flourishes
behind bars

Honolulu is one of three U.S.
sites where inmates learn how
to express creativity

Color and creativity flow within the confines of Hawaii's drab prison walls, University of Hawaii professor Rebecca Horne learned, after spending weeks in a hallway at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu sketching inmates visiting the prison's library, and teaching them as well.

The inmates were offered art classes through a special program of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Bureau of Prisons, a unit of the Department of Justice. The Honolulu detention center was one of only three prisons in the United States chosen for this initiative, and it proved to be a learning experience for both inmates and teacher.

"They needed convincing that I knew what I was doing," said Horne, who resumed the role of artist-in-residence.

The work created is now part of an "Art in Prison" exhibition on display at Honolulu Hale through Wednesday, a show that includes works in pencil, pastel, colored pencil and charcoal. All of the pieces were created by the inmates. A few drawings hint at prison surroundings, but most do not, said Horne.

"Some of the drawings were created during class, while others emerged from what I call homework and exploration," she added.

Horne says that the experience changed her life. "I never gave prison much thought. Society doesn't really want to think about the men and women in there," she said.

One of her goals was to provide new skills and tools for the inmates.

"They were creating a positive image in a place that can be difficult," she said. "Art teaches so many things in a pleasant manner: discipline, organization, self-esteem, problem solving and a sense of accomplishment."

Horne hopes that the inmates will be able to gain a new coping tool from the experience and discover more dimensions within themselves.

An untitiled work by Salazar was drawn in pencil. The piece comprises 24 pieces of paper.

The most difficult aspect of the class were critiques that, uncomfortable in a regular classroom setting, were even more trying for the prisoners, Horne said. "It was a hard step but they did it.

"Some students would drop out of the class because I made them do homework, but (art-making) is like learning to play tennis: You need practice on a regular basis. The ones who stayed knew I had expectations."

One of the most intimidating inmates told Horne he was in class only to get out of his unit. In the end he enjoyed the class. She said he told her: "You gave me so much. It's more than just art."

Horne's aim now is to find more funding to continue the project, believing that "any program that gives them a sense of worth can make a difference."

One of the highlights for Horne was the creating of a large piece that called for collaboration of the entire inmate population.

"It was fabulous to see about 20 inmates at a time working on the piece," she said.

"It's so much more than visual expression. It provides a voice," said Horne, noting that some inmates feel as if they never had a voice. "Art is a vehicle to reach out to people."

Laurie Brooks, executive director of the William James Association, which administers the federal program, said: "Research confirms that art programs definitely benefit those who are incarcerated. Making art helps inmates develop their talents and become more creative while doing positive time and learning important skills."

"We are really excited to have the chance to sponsor this exhibit," said Peter Radulovic, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Culture and the Arts. "We think art education for inmates is extremely valuable and very worthwhile."

Art instructor Rebecca Horne says she hopes her classes gave inmates new coping tools. The work above was created by Lau, using crayon.

Crayon is also the medium for the work above, created by John.

"Full Moon Warriors" is a pen drawing by Jimmy.