This month’s installment at the art gallery in the lobby of the Bandon Library features Oregon artists, as do most of the shows. These particular Oregonians, however, are either currently incarcerated in or recently released from the Oregon prison system. The show is called “Inside/Outside,” reflecting the range of artists from those now living on the outside to lifers.
Some of artists are being shown for the first time while others have had work displayed locally at the Southern Coos Hospital, the Coos Art Museum, Sage Gallery, the Black Market Gourmet in Coos Bay and at the library. All of the artists have clearly poured their hearts into their work.
Victoria Tierney, curator, has put her heart into this work as well. When a family member was sent to the Oregon State Penitentiary 10 years ago, she became aware of the vast talent on the inside and wanted others to see the prisoners’ expression of their feelings and experience in their art. Included in Inside/Outside are several cards created by Tierney’s family member and sent to people close to him during his time in prison.
The show is well worth a visit. Some of the work will make you smile, and some might make you cry, but all will give you a glimpse into the lives and minds of inmates of our prison system.
An opening reception for Inside/Outside will be held Thursday, September 3 in the library’s Sprague Room from 5-8 p.m. with music and refreshments provided. The show runs through the end of September.
