TALLAHASSEE, FL – Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood announces an exhibition of drawings, paintings, and sculpture created by Florida’s state prisoners, entitled Papillion Florida: Art Inside the Walls. The exhibit will be on display at the Arts Learning Gallery from December 12, 2003 through March 7, 2004, with an opening reception on Friday, December 12 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

“The Department of State welcomes this unique exhibition to the Arts Learning Gallery which is dedicated to showcasing the artwork of students of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds,” said Secretary Hood. “I am pleased to be able to make this contribution since the visual arts have proven to be a valuable educational tool in the rehabilitation process of Florida’s inmates.”

Inside the walls of Florida’s correctional facilities, where feelings of oppression and isolation are commonplace, art provides an outlet for self-expression and a vehicle for channeling energy into a positive activity. Creating art helps inmates by increasing self-esteem, instilling a sense of pride and community spirit, and enhancing interpersonal skills.

Organized and curated by Papillion Florida, a non-profit organization, this unique exhibition features over 50 works of art created by inmates from a variety of Florida Department of Corrections’ facilities. The artwork, created under restrictive circumstances and with limited art supplies, represents a broad range of styles, themes, and mediums from acrylic paintings and watercolors to multi-media collages and sculpture. Some of the themes explored in the show include the Florida landscape, Florida wildlife, and childhood memories.

The Arts Learning Gallery is located on the first level of the R.A. Gray Building, home of the Museum of Florida History, at 500 South Bronough Street in downtown Tallahassee. Hours are: Monday-Friday 9:00-4:30, Saturday 10:00-4:30, and Sunday Noon-4:30. For more information about the Arts Learning Gallery, please contact Sandy Shaughnessy at the Division of Cultural Affairs at (850) 245-6480 or visit www.florida-arts.org.

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