MCF Plans Arts & Crafts Show and Silent Auction
Bunker Hill, IN (Nov. 24, 2009) – “Necessity, the mother of all invention,” an anonymous quote found in history, could not be more true when it comes to the “inventions” of the Offender artists displaying and auctioning off their crafts at the Miami Correctional Facility’s Arts and Crafts Show.
MCF’s second Arts and Crafts Show and Silent Auction has been scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peru Fire House, just in time for those looking for that unique Christmas gift. The show will feature arts and crafts made by the offenders in the Purposeful Living Units Serve Unit.
Not only have the offenders taken normal everyday items and turned them into art, many have had to manufacture or become inventive in the use of the tools needed to create those crafts. From Popsicle sticks to paper, and peanut butter jars & lids, with a little glue and shoe polish, the offenders have made some distinctive crafts.
The tools most often used by Robert Smith, 48, of Rensselaar, when making his crafts are toenail clippers and sandpaper. “You get inventive when you come in here,” he said of prison life.
As a kid Smith would visit his grandfather’s carpentry shop and was taught how to build many things. During his 14-year incarceration, he transferred those skills to his current craft work. Smith has made several jewelry boxes out of cedar chips. He’s fashioned jar lids and Popsicle sticks into a lighthouse and fashioned paperclips into hooks to hold necklaces on the inside of the lighthouse.
“It’s all measurements. I built a house out of Popsicle sticks and I can build a (life-sized) house on the street too,” Smith said. A couple of the boxes he constructed were made with his mother in mind, he said of his favorites in the collection.
William Colbourne, Jr., 43, of Fort Wayne, has turned Popsicle sticks into antique trucks and cars. Using handmade tools, also fashioned from Popsicle sticks and rubber bands, he forces the small pieces of wood together while the glue dries. Colbourne will have a couple trucks on display at the show. They probably take about a month or so to make, he said. “I want to try and get every detail on it.”
Another offender has used rolled paper (as well as Popsicle sticks) to put together several decorative jewelry boxes that will be auctioned off. Several wishing wells made with Popsicle sticks, paper and rocks will be on display and put up for auction, as well. These are a popular item to make for many of the offenders.
Native American style jewelry will be auctioned off too. Necklaces, earrings and a leather bag will be auctioned. The beadwork done by the offenders is tedious work, but also relaxing, according to Offender Billy Ferrell, 47, of Greenfield, who has Native American ancestors. He was introduced to beadwork by other offenders in the PLUS Unit and his grandfather, who makes numerous Native American style crafts. To make a small necklace it takes about 6 hours, for earrings it takes about 3 hours. “I enjoy it. It also is really relaxing,” he said of the beadwork. While the offenders will not be able to attend the auction because of their level of security, information and photos on each artist will be on display.
Superintendent Mark Sevier said he is impressed with the creativity and dedication of the offenders in the PLUS Program. While the offenders are able to be creative and turn their skills into pieces of art, they are also able to give back to the community by raising money for area youth. “By working hard to create their artwork, they then can feel a sense of ownership in the sharing of the money raised for an important community need.”
The PLUS program takes about 16 months for the offenders to complete. Program components include developing a Purposeful Life Plan, employment skills and vocations, addiction treatment, responsibility to Right the Wrong (to victims, family, community, and self), basic life skills, and much more. Offenders in the program also are responsible for competing 320 hours of community service each.
Last year the auction raised more than $1,000 which was donated to the Miami County YMCA Youth Fitness Center. This year the proceeds will go to the Miami County Youth Leadership Summit. The summit is part of the Mayor’s Cabinet. According to Mayor Jim Walker “The city is very appreciative and thankful that Miami Correctional Facility and those offenders who have stepped forward to do artwork. We thank them for their help because the money is going to help Miami County youth and that is always a good thing to invest in.”
Jackie Gray, chairman of the Miami County Youth Leadership Summit committee, noted “there are large groups and large organizations that in the past have supported the program. However, we have not found that support here recently, so to find such an organization (like Miami Correctional Facility) that would do something so extraordinary for the youth of Miami County, I am thrilled.”
The doors will open on the show at 6 p.m. Auction bids will be taken until 7:45 p.m. And winners will be named at 8 p.m. For more information contact Ann Hubbard, Public Information Officer, 765-689-8920, ext. 5536.
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