Inmate Support Group sponsors art exhibit

Photographs courtesy of WNMU

Article Courtesy of Cari Lemon

The first art exhibit to display works of visual art from inmates from the Grant County Detention Center (GCDC) was held on Thursday, February 16 at 6 p.m. at the main lobby of Miller Library, located on Western New Mexico University's (WNMU) campus. The GǣArt From WithinGǥ exhibit will be displayed through March 10 for public viewing. Mike Carillo, GCDC Administrator spoke to the attendees at the opening and explained he started noticing the exquisite images and doodles created by some of the inmates. He realized this could be an avenue to encourage them to practice their natural talents and be recognized by them as a way to start thinking about behaviors outside of the choices that led them to be incarcerated. Carillo then contacted Abe Villarreal, Director of Communications at WNMU, to ask if there was interest in partnering to organize an art exhibit for the individuals' works of art. Abe and his team joined the effort to coordinate this inaugural event. Committee members of the Inmate Support Program (ISP) later came on board to assist with getting the word out and inviting different members of the community to attend.

HMS/New Beginnings Psychosocial Rehabilitation provided the refreshments and distributed event flyers to over 100 businesses. The homemade refreshments celebrated the artistic theme with Jackson PollockG