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| Scores visit stall with prisoners’ art |
| By royalgazette.com |
| Published: 09/07/2011 |
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A crafts market selling unique wood carvings from prison inmates was hailed a success by residents and tourists alike. Scores of people visited the stall in Dockyard on Friday to purchase cedar key holders, letter openers, jewellery boxes, photo frames and the like. Just as impressive as the art work itself was the narrative that each item seemed to tell, according to one local. “Each piece has a story. The artist is trying to convey something in his craft and that says a lot,” the man said. The Westgate Craft Market was a one-day event to promote the inmates’ art work, which also included greeting cards, crocheted hats and jewellery. Dwanita Grant, the vocation coordinator for Department of Corrections, said the stall was an opportunity for inmates to make money to help support themselves and their families. A portion of the funds would also be donated to the department to support ongoing initiatives and programmes, she said. Inmates at the Island’s correctional facilities spend at least two hours a day, three times a week, taking part in a range of vocational programmes graphics projects, wood sculpture, carpentry, cooking or plumbing. The programmes not only give inmates a chance to boost their skills and future employability, they are also therapeutic and recreational, said Ms Grant. Aspiring chef and inmate Melvin Simons, who resides at one of the transitional houses, said the classes gave prisoners a mental break from the challenges of daily life. “Some just do it to get away from the other inmates and some just do it for peace of mind. For some people it grows into a passion and they love doing it.” He was one of several inmates able to volunteer at the stall. They joined department staff to man the booth throughout the day and talk with prospective buyers. Commissioner of Corrections Eddie Lamb, who birthed the idea for the market, said the venture benefited both the inmates and the visitors. Read More. |
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