Artwork by Inmates Will Be on Display at Art on the Avenue

Artwork by inmates at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center will be exhibited at Art on the Avenue, the annual arts and music festival, on Saturday in Del Ray, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff’s Office staff will display 13 drawings by inmates at the ASO tent on the west side of Mount Vernon Avenue between East Custis and East Windsor. Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., festival goers can vote for their favorite by dropping a ballot in a box.

Last Thursday inmate artists shared their work with fellow inmates and staff who voted for their favorites. First, second and third place prizes were awarded to Courtney Johnson, Michael Penny and Jamal Ellis, respectively, and each will receive credit to their jail accounts covering personal expenses like postage, snacks and hygiene items.

Pat Miller, longtime Art on the Avenue organizer and former chair of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, attended the inmate art show, the news release said. She was impressed by the talent of those who took part in the exhibition. She joined Sheriff Dana Lawhorne in announcing the prizes and both congratulated the winners and encouraged them to continue their artistic work.

For more information about Art on the Avenue, visit www.artontheavenue.org.

PHOTO: Artwork by Courtney Johnson; courtesy of Sheriff’s Office