SCI’s Art Program to be highlighted by Millsboro Art League
Select works created by inmates in a therapeutic art class at Sussex Correctional Institution will be on public display thanks to the Millsboro Art League, which has offered the class a show in the league’s gallery.
“This really is a wonderful opportunity,” said program coordinator Nancy Thomas, who started overseeing the group four years ago. “The art league was very enthusiastic about the show, which goes along with its commitment to being community-based and community-focused.”
The MAL gallery is at 203 Main St. in Millsboro. It is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays. The show featuring the works of SCI’s art class will run through March 1, with a reception open to the public scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9.
The class, which has been in place at the Georgetown prison for approximately 10 years, is viewed by most participants as a way to maintain some structure and stability during their period of incarceration.
“It keeps me on the right track and it keeps me positive,” said William McKinney, who prefers to paint subjects that are peaceful and calm. “It gives you a little bit of hope.”
Classmate Lawrence Dickens agrees. “It’s therapeutic and you learn discipline,” he said. “You can take yourself away from this place and get a feel for the outside.”
William Smiley, who was working on a blue sky and white clouds background, said he used to doodle as a child, but never thought anyone could make a living in art. His time in the program has provided him a different outlook.
“Through the encouragement of my mom and family, I hope to pursue this when I go home,” he said, noting he was scheduled for release in around 18 months. “I’m thinking about getting an art degree, if possible.”
Although Thomas has some experience in art and teaching, the program is not instructional and there is no prerequisite of artistic ability in order to participate.
“Instructional materials are available, and some of the inmates with more of an artistic background offer some pointers and assistance if asked,” she said. “But I want them to do what they want, in terms of creating art. They enjoy that, and I think that provides the best type of end result for a therapeutic program.”
The class, which is composed of around 20 inmates, meets once per week. The media available are acrylics, watercolor, colored pencils and pastels. Each artist works in the medium of his choice.
