Behind the Bars: The Stories of Inmate Artists will be presented from 6-7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures. Clint Burkholder, Larimer County Programs Specialist, will share the narratives of prisoners who participate in the Larimer County Jail Art Project.
“The Art Project at the Larimer County Jail is a group of inmates who come together to draw, paint, and create artwork,” said Burkholder. “Art offers significant benefits to our inmates by providing a constructive outlet for self-expression and emotional release, which promotes mental well-being. I’ve witnessed these transformations firsthand in those who have participated, both past and present.”
Burkholder’s original goal for the Art Project, which began in early 2024, was to recruit three to five inmates interested in painting to create artwork to display in the jail’s program room. As word spread, however, the number of participants quickly exceeded his expectations. By September, over 60 inmates had contributed one or more pieces to the Art Project.
Admission to the program is free, and donations will be accepted to help buy art supplies and materials for the Art Project. Reservations are requested at globalvillagemuseum.org to help Museum staff plan for seating and refreshments.
The program is in conjunction with the Museum’s Hall Gallery exhibit, Inmate Art from Larimer County Jail. The exhibit runs through Jan. 25, 2025, and artwork may be switched out during the course of the exhibit in order to showcase as many as possible.
“Many artists, especially those in custody, are hesitant to share their work for fear of rejection,” Burkholder added. “Inmates, having experienced rejection from family, friends, and society, often carry that reluctance. Providing them with the opportunity to showcase their art publicly is a significant step in their personal growth.”
The Global Village Museum is located at 200 West Mountain Avenue, and Museum hours are 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, please visit globalvillagemuseum.org or call 970-221-4600.