GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. -- Like anxious children waiting for Christmas morning, time has a way of dragging for a group of giddy students in Goochland. At this adult learning center, six friends are expanding their horizons through color and canvas. Vivian Moore never thought twice about painting for pleasure.
By picking up a brush, Vivian discovered a hidden talent in an unlikely place.
Easels unfold twice a month at Virginia Correctional Center for Women in Goochland.
The group “Art for the Journey” pairs seasoned artists with novice painters like Vivian.
"For me, it is an opportunity of a lifetime," Moore said. "I never imagined me using real paint. Real brushes. Real canvases in a prison."
Painting, no matter your skill, can transform lives through creative expression, according to volunteer Jamie Wigginton.
"We just thought we want to take this to other people who normally don’t have this opportunity," Wigginton said. “The fun part is seeing how they progress."
At this facility, nothing is abstract.
Offenders are serving time for crimes ranging from DUI to drugs to murder. But the only watchful eye in this studio comes from trained professionals. Prison supervisors said hard time softens with each stroke.
"This is a new beginning. They’re learning new things. They’re meeting new people," Chief of Housing and Programs Robinette Clark said.
Professional artist John Heirholzer, president of the non-profit, said watching self-confidence soar is a thing of beauty.
"It's our pleasure... [it] gives us joy to come and do this,” Heirholzer said. "When I bring the art to other people, I find that more fulfilling than making the art myself."
Lexie Mendez embraces the opportunity to inject some zest into an otherwise monotonous existence behind bars.
"We’ve been talking about art class since Monday," Mendez said. "It can be a little drab you know? Everything in here is gray, blue or orange!"
Vivian Moore could not be more grateful for the chance and guidance from the dedicated volunteers.
"It makes me want to be successful in life,” she said. “When I leave, I don’t want to leave. I just want to stay in here.”
The woman who barely knew how to draw stick figures now creates her masterpiece inside and out.
“I just have to work with it and be a little patient,” Moore said. “You can’t rush fine art.”
In Art for the Journey, the subjects range from landscapes to wildlife, but all paintings share a theme of independence.
“When I’m in here, it is like a great escape,” Moore said. “I don’t think about being behind bars. You know. My mind is clear and it's free.”
Art for the Journey also works with low-income seniors, people living with physical and mental disabilities, and young students during the summer. Click here if you would like to volunteer.
This story was produced in June 2018.
Watch Greg McQuade's stories on CBS 6 and WTVR.com. If you know someone Greg should profile, email him at greg.mcquade@wtvr.com.
