At times, prison is a confining and restrictive place. The bars and the lock downs are not always conducive to freedom or creativity. However, this day was no ordinary day. Sixty artists filed into the facility visiting room hauling paintings, drawings, leather work, bead work, ceramics, wood crafts, and scuptures. Within minutes, the Stafford Creek family visit room was transformed to an art exhibition center. Each artist meticulously designed his station to illustrate and present his craft. In the center of the room, one artist stacked chairs on top of his table in a pilar of artistic opulence. His paintings leaned against the chairs, traveling upward in a tower of dedication to the arts.

Completly open to the community, Stafford Creek’s second annual art exhibition had art curators, museum representative, journalists, and even some curious people that trickled in from the surrounding community.

However, the art show wasn’t the real story of the day. The real story was what many of the men were doing with their art. Scott H. was one of those men. He had a table entirely dedicated to an organization called Gold Star Moms. Their organization aids mothers and families that have lost loved ones during their service for our country. Scott and his associates build customized hand crafted jewelry boxes. They donate a hundred percent of what they make to commemorate the lives of fallen soldiers and show honor to the people that loved them.

Paul W. had a fortress of wooden toys surrounding him. His area took up the entire corner of the visiting room. He was representing Toy Time which has donated hand made toys and art to the surrounding community for over a decade. Much of the donated items have gone to orphanages, charity auctions, and the children’s advocacy center.

Billy D. had a table with hand made teddy bears for Bear From Behind Bars. In conjunction with good bears of the world, teddy bears from Bears From Behind Bars go all over the surrounding community and typically end up in the arms of traumatized children. Him and a number of other contributors painstakingly sew and manufacture each bear in order to be there for people who need healing and restoration.

One outside attendee was representing a restorative justice based art auction called Unguarded. All of the funds raised would be going to organizations that aid victims of domestic violence.

The complexity of Stafford Creeks art exhibition extends past the incarcerated merely sharing their art.