A detention center is not usually fertile soil for talent development, community involvement, or optimism about the future. However, from this situation, one inmate in Mark Making’s recent mural project said, “For the first time in years, I have hope!”
For ten weeks, inmates of the Hamilton County Jail received art classes culminating in the creation of a 400-square foot mural of their own design and execution of outer space. Thanks to funding from the State of Tennessee, Making was able to bring lead artist Charlie Newton and supporting artists Rondell Crier, Frances McDonald and David Riall into the jail with supplies to teach and encourage artistic expression. The mural, “Universe Space,” will be documented with a photography exhibit to be displayed in the Hamilton County-Chattanooga Courts Building Lobby.
The theme of outer space in a detention center challenges the concepts of freedom and confinement. There are those who are physically free but emotionally or spiritually confined by situations often of their choice. Though the inmates are confined physically, several of the inmates remarked that they felt “free” when painting in the classroom. Creating an outer space when confined to an inner space is an exercise in distinguishing between physical and emotional space and learning what issues are matters of choice and control.
An exhibit documenting “Universe Space” will remain open in the Hamilton County- Chattanooga Courts Building Lobby until May 3.
Source: Mark Making