A Creative Ministry
The Art & Spirit Prison Ministry began in 2011 with a vision and a handful of volunteers from Campbell United Methodist Church and has now expanded to volunteers from other churches. This program provides opportunities for inmates in Santa Clara County jails to connect with their Spirit through the creative arts. Each session has a spiritual theme and includes art, music, scripture, prayer, writing, and reflective discussion. The classes are offered in units on both the men’s and women’s sides of the Elmwood jail. They are inclusive and welcome everyone – regardless of spiritual beliefs.
Participation in the community creative process:
- Strengthens and deepens their journey of faith
- Affects self-esteem and general outlook
- Offers opportunities to develop self-discipline, concentration and problem-solving skills
- Fosters cooperation, kindness, and supportive generosity among diverse groups of people
- Teaches techniques and behaviors to help cope with their current reality, including journaling, breath prayers and poetry
- Develops community skills, such as working in teams and communicating effectively, both in writing and verbally
- Helps inmates understand their inherent value and care about their neighbors — pivotal in changing lives
- Instills belief in the possibility of transformation
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“Open the Door”
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An Exhibition of the Art & Spirit Ministry ~
June 24, 2018 – July 29, 2018
Exhibition Days and Times:
Thursday, July 5th, 6-9pm
Wednesdays, July 11th, 18th, & 25th, 6-9pm
Opening Reception: June 24, 2018 2-5pm
Hosted by Los Gatos United Methodist Church
111 Church Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030
www.lgumc.org
Sponsored by Santa Clara County’s Sheriff Department
“Open the Door” is an exhibit of community-created art by inmates at the Santa Clara County Correctional Facilities. This exhibit affirms how art enables incarcerated men and women to tap into their humanity, their spirit, and their gifts. Recognizing the dignity of their humanity and the commonalities we share is essential for the incarcerated. Each piece has been created in community by a diverse group of inmates. The art and writing show there is more to them than criminal charges.
Their work exhibits introspection, spirituality, promise, and hope. See the flyer.
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The next Jail Ministry training sessions (given by CIC Ministries) are TBD.
Jail Ministry Training
and women face during incarceration, as well as security rules and regulations of Santa Clara County jails. Religious volunteers receive four hours of continuing training per year to maintain their security clearance._____________________________________
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The artwork has been on display at:
the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
See the event flyer here.
from the video description:
“Transformation: Art from Within showcases a collection of artwork created by women and men incarcerated at the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, California. The remarkable art installation was just a representation of hundreds of art pieces created by the inmates. Campbell United Methodist Church’s Art and Spirit Ministry team has been leading classes at the jail since 2011. The team is able to offer this unique ministry thanks to the support and guidance of Correctional Institutions Chaplaincy (CIC) Ministries.”