Redemptive Art From Prison

One of the most amazing things about God and His creativity is His redemptive power in our own lives. God sometimes works in people’s lives to bring incredible transformation in incomprehensible ways. His restorative power is also seen when people use their God-given creativity as a means for restoration. This is exactly what is happening for prisoners in ADX supermax prison.

Justin Reddick, seminarian, is now enabling prison art to be displayed at Brokenhood: The Art of Healing Through Community. This art show includes different pieces by the inmates, Reddick, and his colleagues. The CAP (Creative Arts Platform) program offers prisoners a chance to be mentored in artistic methods and entrepreneurial behavior to succeed after prison. The majority of inmate paintings will be from recent graduates of the CAP program. CAP also offers artistic training for prisoners who have not yet been released. The program has a focus on the redemptive power of the Gospel and art as an excellent expression of this.

The power of art cannot be stressed enough. It provides a fantastic opportunity for prisoners to take their mind off of their surroundings and channel their creativity in a holistic way. A major concern for prisoners, especially supermax inmates, is the mental struggle they have to deal with daily. Painting and other artistic expressions brings creativity for the mind to change its focus. Justin Reddick found a need for a neglected part of society and addressed it from a Christian perspective. In doing so, he helped facilitate restoration for prisoners and showed art enthusiasts a new source of creativity to appreciate. The Brokenhood gallery brings the first partnership between CAP and the Denver community. Hopefully, there will be continued success for the program as it continues to touch people’s lives.