Art Therapy in Prisons Program Exhibition: Implementation and Benefits

Abstract

The Florida State University (FSU)/Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) Art Therapy in Prisons Program is contractually required to conduct an annual art exhibition of the participants’ work. Originally to be held inside the institutions, it evolved into a single art exhibition at an annual state-wide conference for prison educators. This report demonstrates, through survey data and discussions, that the exhibition and an accompanying experiential in which its attendees and prison inmates contributed provided an opportunity for the participants to feel that they were being seen and heard by those on the outside. In addition, the exhibition provided learning experiences about the program, assuring that there is continuous support, appreciation for the art created, and collaboration to meet the needs of those participating.

Keywords:

• Art therapy in prison
• prison art exhibition
• ethics
• art exhibition

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Evie Soape

Evie Soape, Casey Barlow, Michelle Torrech Pérez, and Marissa Hart are art therapists in the Florida State University/Florida Department of Corrections (FSU/FDC) Art Therapy in Prisons Program. David E. Gussak is Project Coordinator for the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program and Professor of Art Therapy at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Anna Schubarth is Special Education Program Administrator for the Bureau of Education, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, FL. Cameron Sumner is a Graduate Assistant and student in the Florida State University Graduate Art Therapy Program.

Casey Barlow

Evie Soape, Casey Barlow, Michelle Torrech Pérez, and Marissa Hart are art therapists in the Florida State University/Florida Department of Corrections (FSU/FDC) Art Therapy in Prisons Program. David E. Gussak is Project Coordinator for the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program and Professor of Art Therapy at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Anna Schubarth is Special Education Program Administrator for the Bureau of Education, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, FL. Cameron Sumner is a Graduate Assistant and student in the Florida State University Graduate Art Therapy Program.

Michelle Torrech Pérez

Evie Soape, Casey Barlow, Michelle Torrech Pérez, and Marissa Hart are art therapists in the Florida State University/Florida Department of Corrections (FSU/FDC) Art Therapy in Prisons Program. David E. Gussak is Project Coordinator for the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program and Professor of Art Therapy at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Anna Schubarth is Special Education Program Administrator for the Bureau of Education, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, FL. Cameron Sumner is a Graduate Assistant and student in the Florida State University Graduate Art Therapy Program.

Marissa Hart

Evie Soape, Casey Barlow, Michelle Torrech Pérez, and Marissa Hart are art therapists in the Florida State University/Florida Department of Corrections (FSU/FDC) Art Therapy in Prisons Program. David E. Gussak is Project Coordinator for the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program and Professor of Art Therapy at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Anna Schubarth is Special Education Program Administrator for the Bureau of Education, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, FL. Cameron Sumner is a Graduate Assistant and student in the Florida State University Graduate Art Therapy Program.

David E. Gussak

Evie Soape, Casey Barlow, Michelle Torrech Pérez, and Marissa Hart are art therapists in the Florida State University/Florida Department of Corrections (FSU/FDC) Art Therapy in Prisons Program. David E. Gussak is Project Coordinator for the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program and Professor of Art Therapy at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Anna Schubarth is Special Education Program Administrator for the Bureau of Education, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, FL. Cameron Sumner is a Graduate Assistant and student in the Florida State University Graduate Art Therapy Program.

Anna Schubarth

Evie Soape, Casey Barlow, Michelle Torrech Pérez, and Marissa Hart are art therapists in the Florida State University/Florida Department of Corrections (FSU/FDC) Art Therapy in Prisons Program. David E. Gussak is Project Coordinator for the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program and Professor of Art Therapy at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Anna Schubarth is Special Education Program Administrator for the Bureau of Education, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, FL. Cameron Sumner is a Graduate Assistant and student in the Florida State University Graduate Art Therapy Program.

Cameron Sumner

Evie Soape, Casey Barlow, Michelle Torrech Pérez, and Marissa Hart are art therapists in the Florida State University/Florida Department of Corrections (FSU/FDC) Art Therapy in Prisons Program. David E. Gussak is Project Coordinator for the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program and Professor of Art Therapy at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL. Anna Schubarth is Special Education Program Administrator for the Bureau of Education, Florida Department of Corrections, Tallahassee, FL. Cameron Sumner is a Graduate Assistant and student in the Florida State University Graduate Art Therapy Program.