BUFFALO, N.Y. — A unique art show that is returning to Buffalo for the second year in a row.
It's a fundraiser for Peaceprints of WNY.
This isn't your ordinary art show. All of the paintings featured in this 'Client Art Show' are made by people behind bars. This art exhibit showcases work from local incarcerated artists. This year, the 'Client Art Show' will feature 30 of their pieces.
Many of the inmates who participated in the program have never picked up a paintbrush before, and said being a part of these 'in-jail art therapy classes' has been a way to start their healing process.
Damon Coleman is a part of the program, which is organized by 'Peaceprints of WNY.' He said during the class, they oftentimes shared their personal stories while they created their art, like how they got there and their experience during incarceration.
Coleman created several paintings during the classes and last year, he sold about six of them. He said he needed a creative outlet and making artwork has done just that for him, and the community.
"Being able to just create something and make something new and for people to be able to see it. It was definitely uplifting to know that I can do something better already while sitting in jail. Let alone while I get out," Coleman said.
Project Blue has helped over 500 people in WNY. So far, they've seen a recidivism rate of less than 10%. Community wide and nationally, they range anywhere from 60% to 80%.
Peaceprints of WNY CEO Cindi Mceachon wants to see the recidivism rate continue to go down and believes this is a way to do it.
The 'Client Art Show' is Thursday. April 25 at 703 Seneca Street in Buffalo. It starts at 6 p.m. and the admission fee is $100. Those whose art gets sold receive proceeds from the sales. The rest of the money goes directly back to Peaceprints of WNY.
RELATED VIDEO: