For its most recent exhibit, Beaver Street Gallery searched for art where visitors would least expect it: prisons throughout Arizona.
The exhibit Inside/OUT will feature artwork created by 10 inmates and a few recently released prisoners.

David Harton, the gallery director, said the mission of this project is to let people know anyone can produce art, whether they are professionally trained or not.

“Our mission here is to really expose the public to what art is,” Harton said. “These [men] are not trained; these are not masterpieces, but they’re good work. There are a few that are better than some of the artwork I’ve seen hanging in New York, Chicago or California galleries and museums. The work stands on its own, as far as I’m concerned.”

Harton hopes these inmate artists continue making art and changing their lives for the better.

“We’re giving them an opportunity to improve their lives through art,” Harton said. “We’re giving them an opening. I’m not glorifying the crimes, but what I’m trying to do is give them a chance to do art, and that’s the positive part.”

The displayed artwork features drawings on paper, file folders and even bed sheets inmates used as canvas. Some of the drawings include tigers, roses, skulls and lions. Three-dimensional artwork, including a ship made of Popsicle sticks, will also be displayed.

Barbara Harton, the gallery manager, said art can be done anywhere, even within prison walls. The inmates used whatever they had available in their surroundings to create their art.

“There is a jewelry box made out of rolled-up newspaper stained with coffee, so it was kind of brown,” Barbara Harton said. “It’s really great. There is also a ship made out of Popsicle sticks.”

Next to each piece of art will be letters and personal statements the prisoners handwrote on stationary paper explaining their art and their time in prison.
David Harton said a lot of the men in prison whose art is showcased are very excited.

“They’re acting like the little kid that just had one of his drawings put on the wall at school,” Harton said. “They’re doing something positive, and they’re surprised there’s somebody out there who really cares and is interested in showing their heart.”

Frank Brenneman, a junior electronic media and film major, attended the exhibition and said the art was very unique. He said he felt as though he caught a glimpse into each artist’s subconscious through their drawings and sketches.

“It’s a reflection of the state of mind the prisoners are in,” Brenneman said. You can tell through their art who feels remorse for what they’ve done and who doesn’t care.”

Inside/OUT will be on display until Dec. 28. For more information, call 214-0408 or visit Inside/OUT’s Facebook page at facebook.com/inside