Prisoners of art

A new show is on display at VSA Arts of Nevada Gallery in Reno, but don't expect to meet any of the artists there.

The show, "Unlocked Treasures," contains art from 28 prisoners at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center and Nevada State Prison, both located in Carson City.

Their work runs from a crocheted baby blanket to wire sculpture, jewelry, and oil paintings.

"I really like it," says VSA Executive Director Mary Ellen Horan. "I bought quite a few pieces myself."

She said the idea for the exhibit came when Dr. Karen Gadney, senior physician at Nevada State Prison, stopped by the gallery.

"She was walking by our gallery and came in and asked if we would be interested in showing the prisoners' art work," Horan said. "It is surprising to watch people's reaction to it. The prisoners have to purchase their own art supplies, they have to work with what they are allowed to have."

The art is for sale and half the proceeds go to the inmates.

The rest is split up among the inmate welfare fund, Advocates to End Domestic Violence and the gallery.

Prison staff came to the gallery and videotaped the show, and family members came in and took photos so the prisoners could see the show.

While the art work varies in quality and nature, Horan said one inmate, Ishmael Santillanes, shows a great deal of promise.

"Ishmael's work is just very good," Horan said. "He could have a professional show all on its own."

She said she hopes the work will help the inmates overcome their situation.

"Everybody needs self-esteem, whether in prison or not," she said. "We also hope it will help with rehabilitation."

Horan said VSA Arts is a nonprofit organization giving aid to art programs for underprivileged and under served organizations.

"The inmates are certainly under served when it comes to the arts," she said.

The Nevada gallery was founded in 1986, 12 years after the national organization was established by Jean Kennedy Smith in 1974. There are offices in all 50 states and 80 countries.

VSA Arts hosts classes in 24 special education classrooms. The nonprofit puts together 3,000 workshops a year in such places as the pediatric unit of Washoe Medical Center, the Reno Housing Authority, Nevada Mental Health, the Brewery Arts Center, Nevada Institute of Mental Health and others.

Formerly located in the Lake Mansion at Kietzke Lane and Virginia Street, the gallery has moved to Suite C 135 N. Sierra St.

Horan, a Reno resident for 20 years, has worked for the arts organization since its first year.

In addition to her, there are two full-time and two part-time employees. The organization has a roster of about 50 artists.

IF YOU GO

What: "Unlocked Treasures"

Where: Suite C 135 N. Sierra St., Reno

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Information: 826-6100