CAL art contest highlights creativity

November 12, 2020

Calipatria State Prison staff viewed and voted on 19 art submissions by those who participate in the handicraft program.

Handicraft participants create 19 pieces

A Calipatria State Prison (CAL) art contest displayed the population’s creativity as part of the handicraft program.

The effort was thanks to Mailroom Supervisor Heather Duarte, who organized the Calipatria art contest.

The program runs on a six-month cycle, requiring participants to remain disciplinary free and create a quarterly art project. The voluntary art contest saw 45 submissions.

Staff selected five art pieces to represent their facility in the institution-wide contest. Overall, staff chose 19 pieces for display in the Warden’s Conference Room.

CAL art contest is cooperative effort

Contest judges were staff from throughout the institution. They voted for their favorites in the Calipatria art contest. According to organizers, the show adhered to all COVID-19 protocols.

Two of the three finalists displayed a passion for basketball following the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant and his young daughter. Another featured Super Woman holding a skateboard. Inmate television will also display the 19 selected pieces.

“While facilitating the art contest, it was amazing to see the interaction between institutional staff and the inmate participants. They worked towards a common goal of having their facility win the institution-wide contest,” said Duarte.

“I’m grateful to be part of the Handicraft Program,” said one of the finalists. Another said, “I drew it for the love of the game.”

Learn more about Calipatria State Prison and its programs.

Learn more about creative programs such as Arts in Corrections.

By Lt. Efren Uribe, AA/PIO
Calipatria State Prison