For many people, art is an outlet. Whether it be through writing, drawing, or music, art provides a channel for emotions like no other.

It fosters productivity and creativity through a natural, and almost effortless process. Prisoners are some of those with the most difficult living situations, as having a sentence that can extend for half a lifetime is extremely taxing on a prisoner’s ability to remain hopeful.

The frustration with their justice system, life behind bars, and isolation is enough to produce significant pain and difficulty. Added with the lack of access to hobby-related activities and prisoners are left with plenty of idleness to bask in their sadness and reflect on obstacles.
 
However, artwork has proved to be a significant aid to incarcerated people. It translates all of that emotion into a worthwhile activity, and can foster new skills where there seemed to be none.

For many in prison, art is not just the light at the end of the tunnel, but the guidance throughout.

Rather than channel energy from idleness into misconduct, violence, and damage, prisoners should be encouraged to pick up this universal hobby that leaves room for everyone to succeed.

A renewed sense of purpose is born from art, leading its creators to have a renewed value set as well. A focus on creativity and a desire to produce something can be very significant in defining a prisoner’s journey away from wrongdoing.

Using individual thinking to create something tangible, something unique, and something worthwhile, can be especially motivating for someone who lives their life in loneliness and confinement.

Art has proven to be an effective and valuable asset to prisoners and will continue to be — so long as its value is recognized and encouraged within the justice system.