ART EXHIBITION: "Dark Days Bring Out Distorted Beauties", featuring drawings created by male inmates at the Dunn County Jail who refer to themselves as a "hopeful group of men working to bring change and better themselves."
The drawings were created during an “Expressive Arts” class, taught and exhibited by UW-Stout Art Education student and A.I.M. intern, Hana Buttles.
Where: Menomonie Public Library
- When: November 1- November 10th, 2018
- What: Drawings created by male inmates as part of an art class facilitated by UW-Stout art education student, Hana Buttles,
as part of her P.A.I.N.T. internship.
Intern, Hana Buttles, reflects on her teaching experiences at the Dunn County Jail:
Beginning my first internship with Arts Integration Menomonie, I was nervous, not only to teach- but to teach at a jail! After teaching my first class these fears lifted and I began to feel more confident and excited about my future as a teacher.
Through my internship at the Dunn County Jail, I have taught numerous individuals from diverse economic, cultural, and educational backgrounds- all with an important story to tell and a voice worthy of being heard. In a drawing class, the inmates and I explored the concept of visual art as a language through which we can “speak” our voices and “tell” our stories, as well as support our personal well-being.
Although the concept of teaching groups of inmates initially intimidated me, I have never felt unsafe or uncomfortable with them. I have learned the importance of showing my students my respect in order to earn their respect and trust. I have learned the importance of caring about people who need it most.
Whenever I tell my students that these art classes are some of the best parts of my week, they don't believe me; however, nothing else gives me such an overwhelming sense of joy- a sense of purpose that I have not felt anywhere else!
Hana Buttles
Art Education student at UW-Stout
Arts Integration Menomonie (A.I.M.) Intern at the Dunn County Jail