ART BEHIND BARS was started in June, 1994 by Lynne Vantriglia. An artist herself, Lynne has always believed that everyone has some creative vein within themselves that can be tapped, for the joy of creativity as well as for art's therapeutic value. With that in mind, she began an art program for women in the Monroe County Detention Center. A class for male inmates began in November, 2001, thanks to a partnership grant between the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the State of Florida, Div. of Cultural Affairs, the Fla. Arts Council, and the National Endowment of the Arts. The 2-hour art sessions are only for inmates with good conduct.  Art Behind Bars has been shown to improve prisoner behavior and reduce recidivism rates.
 

Art Behind Bars
P.O Box 2034
Key West, FL 33045
info@artbehindbars.com

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The Mission of Art Behind Bars is Giving inmates  an opportunity to contribute to society through the donation of artwork to non-profit organizations locally and nationally.
The goal of this mission is to support  the community through the direct donation of artwork, art projects and the donation of funds raised from the sale of artwork.  Art Behind Bars has raised more than $52,000 for the community.

Recent projects include donations to:

• Aids Help

• Hand painted T-Shirts and Baby Quilts for at-risk youths

• Habitat for Humanity art auction

• Hospice of the Keys

• Take Stock in Children

• Valentines for Veterans in VA Hospitals

In addition to their record of community service, they have launched numerous successful careers in the arts, as well as cottage industries, giving former students viable post-incarceration career paths (click here to read about Art After Bars). Many other inmates have been able to pursue further art education upon transfer to prison, because of their participation in the program.