Workshop: Helping Children, Incarcerated Parents Benefit from Arts Experiences

Artist educators interested in developing the skills necessary to work with children who have an incarcerated parent are invited to register for a workshop, “Community Arts Behind Bars,” that takes place April 24, at the Kimball-Jenkins Carriage House in Concord.

Nationwide, one in 28 children has a parent behind bars. Prison’s highly structured environment makes it challenging for both incarcerated parents and their children to bond through creative activities when they are able to be together during supervised visits.

The “Community Arts Behind Bars” workshop will train artist educators how to incorporate their own creative skills into leadership and guidance in non-traditional classroom settings. It will also touch on how to start planning a residency and begin working in corrections or juvenile justice environments.

Community artist Jessica Wyatt, who holds an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art, will lead the interactive workshop. Kristina Toth, director of the N.H. Department of Corrections’ Family Connections Center, and Catherine O’Brian, coordinator of Arts Education Grants and Programs at the N.H. State Council on the Arts, will join Wyatt for a question and answer session.

There is no cost to participate in “Community Arts Behind Bars,” but registration is required. To register online or learn about related events sponsored in partnership with the N.H. Department of Corrections and the Family Connections Center in April visit: cfsnh.org/pages/2014events/CIPArtShow.html.

For more information about Arts in Education opportunities, contact Catherine O’Brian, 603-271-0795, catherine.o.obrian@dcr.nh.gov. 

The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts is a publicly funded agency within the New Hampshire Department of Cultural Resources. It began in 1965 with legislation designed “to insure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and play an ever more significant part in the education and welfare of our citizens.” Funding comes from state appropriations, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Conservation License Plate fund. Learn more about the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts at nh.gov/nharts.