ARTWORK produced by inmates at the Isle of Man Prison will go on public display next month.

More than 100 examples of prisoners' art, craft and creative writing work will be exhibited at the Isle of Man College in Douglas.

Judy Jackson, prison education manager, said:"Some of the work has been produced through classes in art, craft and creative writing while others have been undertaken in prisoners' own time. We have some excellent artists in custody and it is satisfying to be able to show what they have achieved.

"The craft work, under the leadership of Helen Watson, includes cross stitch, quilting, clothes-making and knitting while art teacher Grace Cain encourages prisoners to experiment with different media, such as drawing, pastels, water colours and acrylics. Grace helps her students to improve their techniques. They both do an amazing job.

"Some of the work was created for the multi-faith room at the prison, for which art materials were generously provided by Bishop Robert. Other paintings have won awards from the Koestler Trust, which we are very pleased to put on display."

All education at the Isle of Man Prison is provided by the Isle of Man College.

Prison governor Alison Gomme explained: "Although prisoners can pursue qualifications these classes are mainly aimed at being therapeutic and artistically satisfying. It gives participants a sense of achievement and builds confidence.

"This exhibition is a celebration of what has been achieved over the last couple of years and could be repeated in the future if it is well received."

None of the exhibited artwork will be named to avoid any adverse impact on victims of crime. 

The exhibition will take place in the main hall of the Isle of Man College from April 7 to April 15. Between April 7 and 8 the exhibition will be open from 9am to 8.30pm and from April 11-15 the exhibition will be open from 9am to 5pm.  Admission is free.

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