'It's more than art' | Indianapolis art exhibit gives voice to women behind bars
- Art exhibit at Garfield Park Arts Center features work by incarcerated women, providing a platform for expression and connection.
Inside the Garfield Park Arts Center , each brushstroke tells a story many people rarely see — or hear.
"The bird that we see was painted. It's just a sense of freedom, a sense of not necessarily physical freedom, but freeing your mind," said Katrina Patterson, founder of Xhale Xpressions Art 2.0.
The exhibit, titled "Beyond the Walls," features artwork created by women incarcerated in an Indiana prison. The pieces are the result of a nine-week program led by Patterson and Carolyn Wisdom, who said the mission is rooted in connection and understanding.
"We have discussions at the end of each session, and where the ladies talk about what they've painted, and express themselves, how they're feeling as they paint," Patterson said.
Organizers say the program gives participants a way to communicate emotions and experiences that may otherwise go unheard. Through painting, the women are able to express themselves without words, something Patterson and Wisdom hope resonates with visitors.
"A lot of voices that you see, they're unheard," Wisdom said. "A lot of the voices are unseen, they're judged. And it's more than art, it's a lot of emotions and expressions on these walls."
Patterson and Wisdom said the experience has also changed them, offering a new perspective on empathy and personal growth.
"I'm getting a better understanding of people and learning to just not be as judgmental, and just learning to again, just love people and accept people for who they are and where they are, and to be a better person," Patterson said.
"I mean, just the amount of talent that's in there, you know, one mistake doesn't take away your authenticity," Wisdom added.
The exhibit is free and open to the public through March 30. Visitors can also purchase the artwork on display, with money from the sales going back to the program to help fund supplies. For more information, contact Patterson at pattersonkatrina51@gmail.com.
This is a volunteer program and relies on donations.
