It is the Art Loft's dream that everyone gets to experience the power of art, including the less advantaged, outlining sectors of the community. To that end, Kathryn Matlack, of Camden, spearheaded art classes at the Maine State Prison, in Warren. The body of art that was produced from those classes will be on display in Rockland at the Art Loft on Oct. 6, during the monthly Art Walk. The prisoners who made the art will not be there, but the prison’s warden, Randal Liberty, will talk at 5 p.m., and the prisoner’s art teacher, Dan Daly, will be on hand to answer questions.

Matlack, one of the founds of the Rockland-based Art Loft, learned that there was an art program at the prison solely founded by inmates, but no outside instruction was available. The inmates were eager to learn and progress in their artistic abilities, according to a news release from the Art Loft.

Art Loft hired Dan Daly to go into the prison to teach once a week. He took along his witty story-telling, an endless supply of art books and magazines from which to learn, as well as examples of his own art. Continuing lessons are held weekly focusing on process and art theory.

What is it like to be incarcerated?

The website 'Prison Fellowship' states: "Understanding a prisoner's thinking and emotional state can help us minister to them more effectively. The five stages of incarceration—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance — are derived from the traditional stages of grief outlined by American Swiss psychiatrist, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. These stages are not necessarily linear since people can flow in and out of them. But often a prisoner's behavior can be explained by where they are within these stages. Like everyone, prisoners are in process, and are responding to what is happening in their lives."

The show, 'From Behind the Wall,' is about those feelings, a personal perspective from each individual.

The Art Loft, at 385 Main Street in Rockland, will display works of art from the inmates at the Oct. 6 opening.

The show will also feature a life size carving of an eagle. The eagle was made in the Industries Woodshop, an impressive 110-person operation at the Maine State Prison.

"Industries" has also made all the frames for the paintings in this show. Along with the paintings, the sketchbooks will be displayed as well as written heartfelt statements from each inmate regarding their lives and their art.

The show will run from 5 to 8 p.m. and can also be seen during class times and by appointment throughout October.

For more information visit artloftrockland.org; The Art Loft 385 Main Street, Suite 9, Rockland; 207-200-7915

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