In the Ivanovo colony held an exhibition of paintings of convicts

In IK-3 UFSIN of Russia in the Ivanovo region held the final exhibition of works of convicts in the framework of the art project “Second spring”

In the penal colony No. 3 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Ivanovo region, the final exhibition of creative works of convicts created within the framework of the art project “Second Spring” was held. The project implemented by ANO Artlife with the support of the Presidential Grants Fund and the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Ivanovo region has come to an end.

The exhibition was attended by the project manager, a member of the Public Council of the Federal Penitentiary Service, artist Kirill Piskunov, employees of the Federal Penitentiary Service and correctional colony No. 3, as well as convicted women, including those who took part in the project.

For ten months, the participants underwent an art therapy course, mastered various techniques of fine art, worked to unlock their inner potential. The final exhibition was the result of this great and important work.

The convicts shared their impressions about the project and the emotions they received during the classes. Many noted that participation in art therapy helped them cope with internal experiences, believe in their abilities and take a new look at their own capabilities. Creativity became for them not only a way of self-expression, but also an important step towards personal growth and rethinking of life values.

Over the months, we've seen women open up and start trusting each other and themselves. Art became for them not just an occupation, but a way to reconnect with the world. Every job is a story of overcoming and hope. I am grateful to everyone who supported this project, and I am sure that it gave the participants an important resource for the future life, said Kirill Piskunov, project manager

Art therapy organically fit into our educational work. We see changes in the participants: they became more open, calm, learned to express their feelings through creativity. Such projects help to solve the main task - to prepare a person for returning to society. We will definitely continue to develop this direction, said Anna Maslova, Head of the Department for Educational Work with Convicts

At first I wasn’t sure if painting was right for me. However, in the course of the classes, I learned new skills and was able to express my thoughts through creativity. I am grateful to the organizers of the project. In the future, I plan to continue to engage in creativity, said Yulia M, convicted IK-3.

Such projects play a significant role in the process of resocialization of convicts. They not only contribute to reducing the risk of reoffending and the formation of sustainable positive life reference points, but also help participants develop communication skills, increase self-esteem, find new hobbies and resources to overcome life difficulties. Creative activity gives an opportunity to distract from negative thoughts, direct energy in a creative direction and get a positive experience, which in the future can become the basis for a law-abiding lifestyle. The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Ivanovo region plans to continue cooperation with ANO Artlife and other organizations implementing similar initiatives, as well as to consider the possibility of conducting similar projects for a wider range of convicts.

The works of the participants are also posted online so that as many people as possible see the results of their work and creative growth.

More work can be seen here: