Art Changes Lives

The goal of the Therapeutic Art Program at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office is to provide an alternative for destructive behavior, and channel positive energy. When inmates take part in activities that give back the community, it may help them to reconstruct their lives. Art offers a constructive outlet to deal with frustration or confusion in a correctional setting. For inmates, it is a way of creating something of value, and provide them with a feeling of self worth and accomplishment.

How is the art program Therapeutic?

The art program is therapeutic because it helps inmates communicate in a positive manner, deal with anxiety and stress, and allows personal growth. Inmates learn the fundamentals of art, and use a variety of mediums (pencil, charcoal, watercolor) to create an array of drawings and paintings that include still life’s, landscapes and portraits.