"Thanks for sharing your creativity and helping us with our murals - it was fun and therapeutic."

Mitchelville Women's Prison in Iowa (near Des Moines) welcomed us to conduct a Tape Art workshop earlier this May. It was the first prison we worked in and, to be honest, we were a little nervous. All our anxiety was very quickly allayed as the inmates inundated us with questions and enthusiasm. We spent the next 2-3 hours helping them create two wonderful murals in their gymnasium - one exploring ideas of 'metamorphosis', and the other based on the more literal self-portrait theme. The group we worked with were all inside on drug and alcohol related charges and, by their own choice, many spoke about these experiences through their images. It was quite a cathartic experience for all of us.
 Included are a few quotes from the inmates.

"I really enjoyed the Tape Art. I was very reluctant at first then I got so involved that just for a moment I forgot where I was, and that is very hard to do. Thank you for the opportunity to work with you!"

 "You have found a unique medium for art expression. Never give up!!"

"I really enjoyed working with you. It was something I won't soon forget."

"Thank-you. It's nice to know there are arts out there to do that's fun for all!"

"I appreciate you taking time to share with us your talents and invention. It gave us a chance to express ourselves and to interract. You've really touched lives by spreading this wonderful display of art that reveals many facets of human nature. Peace."

"Thankyou for a new refreshing experience."

"Thank you for the time you gave up in helping us do OUR TIME. Strut your stuff guys!"

"You did an excellent job involving all & I learned a lot. Very meaningful & inspiring. Thankyou & good luck."

"Thanks so much for coming and helping the inmates to release their creative energies in a positive way! They're still talking about it."

"Thank you for taking time to teach us tape art!"