Art Program at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail

The Art Program at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail (VPRJ), the only one of its kind in the commonwealth, has been in existence for over ten years. Started by Mary Alice Weiss, a former member of TCAG, the program is currently administered by Rice Trolan, an artist member of the gallery. Approximately 600 inmates have taken part in the program, one of the gallery’s many outreach activities.

The course consists of a two-hour instruction period held once a week, and each class begins with ten participants. When the class dwindles to three or four students, as inmates are released or transferred, a new class is started. Watercolor is the medium of choice because of its versatility and ease of use that allows students to capture "happy accidents." Many inmates discover a creative impulse as soon as they get their hands on the materials. The job of the instructor is to help channel this creativity, but not get in the way. Some students have produced surprisingly colorful and interesting compositions.

During one of the summertime shows, TCAG mounts an annual exhibit of Jail Art, which can be acquired with a donation of $25 or more per piece. The monies generated support the VPRJ fund to purchase painting supplies (paper, brushes and pigments). Any artist desiring to participate in this interesting and challenging program should contact Rice Trolan through the gallery at 757-229-4949.