“Horizons”
By HMP Bristol artist SB
Mentoring offenders and ex-offenders to find not only a new creativity, but a new life.
Prodigal Arts is a registered charity that provides opportunities for prisoners and ex-offenders to produce and sell artwork created in art mentoring sessions and their own time as part of their ongoing rehabilitation.
The aim of Prodigal Arts is to help people in prison and post-release 'unlock' their creative potential, 'setting free' a positive sense of individual achievement and self-worth which aims to contribute to reducing the likelihood of re-offending.
Collage Green
by COTO Andrew
Case Study
“Prodigal Arts gives prisoners a connection to the outside world, a private piece of self-worth. On release, it can serve as a reminder that you are valued and you still have an outlet for your creations.” Andrew
Prints and originals
Available for purchase
“Full of Fire”
By COTO Jacqui
What we achieve with artists in prisons and post-release
“I’ve a great passion for art. It’s a great escape & is a strong therapy for me. Help maintain a positive health. ”
Showcasing our incredible artwork to the wider community
Read case studies from the artists showing the impact art mentoring made on their lives
Purchase from The Prodigal Arts Shop
Graphite drawing by talented COTO Andrew.
“When the theme around “perspective” was given to me, I didn’t fancy drawing railway lines that appear to meet in the distance - I wanted to do something with water!
My inspiration (and starting point) was “waterfall” by M.C. Escher because I like the idea behind the work.
For my drawing I had to play around with some loose drawing of waterfalls and how to place them. I don’t usually draw rough sketches of any artwork ideas I have because I know what I want something to look like.
I also had to “marry” perspective with illusion to make the image work.
A series of tall buildings have water channels on the roofs that connect in a way that would be impossible. The waterfalls don’t fall as they should and the support pillar aren’t possible - even the sky wouldn’t be visual around the buildings, especially surrounded by the sea.
This all adds up to impossible impossibilities.”