Dakota County, Minnesota Jail Mural

"Breaking the chains that bind"

Dakota County jail - an unlikely art studio

More than 2 million people will be released from local jails in the next year. Weve heard the statistics about those likely to reoffend, but Blair Anderson, Dakota Countys jail commander, chooses to focus on hope.

Anderson knows inmates will be released and when they get out, he wants them to stay out. He looks for ways to connect inmates to programs that will help them get established once they leave. He is also recognizing talents of those in jail to use those skills to inspire and give hope to others.

Right now Joel Foote, Michael Vance, and Carl Asfeld are artists in an unlikely studio. Theyre creating art that will inspire inmates, perhaps an even broader audience.

The three inmates stand on a scaffold, hands black from charcoal, using art to bring a concrete wall to life. Art decorates their bodies too, a canvas for tattoos that tell only part of their story. A 30-foot by 15-foot wall in the jails gym stands before them as a new canvas for a mural that promises hope and inspiration.

An American Flag flies free over the skylines of Minneapolis and St. Paul with and eagle soaring above. A prisoner bowed low in his cell is watched by a guardian angel. Praying hands and breaking chains convey the present trial and the future hope. The flags colors will contrast with the stark charcoal drawing. Thats the concept for the mural. The theme: Breaking the chains that bind.

Its a space used for handball and other sports as well as church services and group activities. It will inspire inmates—perhaps it could inspire others, too.

Anderson knows jails are filled with talent. Many are artist, some are skilled tradesman and some are former business owners.

Getting inmates to recognize their talents and find ways to contribute is one of Andersons goals. Helping to link inmates with resources is another. He has started unique programs, hopeful that the opportunities he finds for inmates will make a difference in their lives and in the lives of communities.

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Category:

Education

Tags:

• Dakota
• County
• MN
• Minnesota
• Jail
• Trailer
• Inmates
• Art
• Mural

[pencilart360]

Good job from a arist it is fun and very sociable job are a hobby I am a full time artist great job on the wall guys

[pencilart360]

Amazing job the guy who what's to do this tell him it's great for a good social life and fun

[aarik]

Good job, guards and inmates... Finished product?

[aarik]

Good job, guards and inmates...

[boxerpup7]

Absolutely spiritual, beautiful and inspiring.

[MrSlipperyP]

I love how some1 wrote THC n no 1 cared,....or noticed but I find that hard 2 believe knowing what some of those guards do. Great program, however, bad message at the end.

[FutureLaugh]

tortured souls

[BornAgain040707]

Praise GOD that a Jail actually cares enough to not only give someone an outlet, but that recognizes GOD. Hey Mike Vance, thanks for the follow up phone call, I can't wait to see you grow through Reformers Unanimous, application ACCEPTED!

[ericambrosecoon]

creativity does save lives.

[mullarkey10]

that is amazing