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Prisoners Give Back to the Community

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By CHERYL KUCK | The Brandon News & Tribune

Published: April 18, 2007

Turning the Hillsborough Correctional Institution into a faith and character-based all-female prison just three years ago is making a substantial difference in the lives of the inmates. Prisoners now say they want to give back to the community by donating their talents to help cancer patients.

"We're in here (prison) because of choice. It wasn't a good choice, but it was a choice we were able to make," said inmate Jennifer Martin. "We're making scarves for the kids and giving our hair to those who don't have a choice about where they are right now. This is a chance for us to give something back to them."

Martin is one of the students in the prison volunteer art program who is hand-painting colorful child-friendly images on four-dozen silk scarves. Images of a dancing Eeyore the donkey, Batman and Robin, Mickey Mouse, Sylvester the Cat, rainbows, happy frogs and other wildlife are all being created for scarves that will be given to a child who is undergoing cancer therapy.

When all four-dozen scarves are student-painted and hand-pressed by their art teacher, Minnette Webster, she will take them to the Child Life Coordinator at Children's Specialty Care, where they will distribute them to their affiliates who serve children cancer patients.

A Valrico artist, Webster has been the catalyst creating an energized prison arts program. The goals of her program are, "to create a comfortable and non-threatening environment with positive attitudes based on constructive praise instead of criticism. The art process and not the end product are being emphasized."

On the April 5 birthday of inmate Josephine Amico, who is serving 10 years for possession of cocaine and robbery, her celebratory present is simple.

"To be here today in this art class," she said. "Miss Minnette is the bomb, our best cheerleader. She brings us back to life with new projects that help others and she doesn't allow negativity in any form."

Wellness Officer Greg Collins is in charge of the recreation area and opens the arts room so prisoners can work during unscheduled hours. He says he has seen the value of the program.

"When the art teacher isn't here, I keep the art room keys," he said. "When I see them working, they (the inmates) seem so much at peace, you can hear a pin drop. They block everything else out and just love having the privilege of this program."

The teacher and her volunteer art assistants, June Fretwell of Valrico and Sherry Condner of Sun City, work together with both beginning and advanced classes. Advanced inmate students help organize the supplies that Webster works tirelessly to get donated.

Calling on arts organizations like the Hillsborough County Arts Council and artist friends like Taylor Ikin, who is nationally acclaimed for her work with experimental Yupo photographic paper, Webster has been able to give her student's expensive paper and top-of-the-line supplies. Caring people contribute to a special fund established through AOE Artist Supplies on 56th Street in Temple Terrace.

All donors have to do is send a check directly to AOE, with a notation that the money is to be used for the Hillsborough County prison art class fund.

"I'm always worried the students won't have enough supplies and we are continually in need of donations to help. The art program creates a positive focus and can become a life-changing experience," said Webster.

Beginning art student Beth Straub echoes the life-changing experience by telling her own story.
"I chose drugs over my family," she said. "This is my wake-up call. I'd probably be dead if I hadn't been arrested. Now, I've had a couple of years to straighten-up, grow-up, and make reconnecting with my children my number one priority. It's helped to send my oldest daughter cards and artwork I've been able to create here. Art helps you get away from your problems. I loose myself in my art."

Many feel that this art program teaches life lessons along with the art lessons. Among the many inmate artworks adorning the walls is a student-created painting of a clock. Next to the clock is another work, framed in bright orange matting. The words on it are simple.

"Time is a terrible thing to waste."

Cheryl Kuck writes about the arts.

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