Pat Donald is a Cape Town artist who has been running a successful art school for the past 25 years. Two and a half years ago she felt a calling to go into the prison and introduce art there. To her surprise she found a wonderful response from some of the inmates as they began to discover God given talents along with a change of attitude to their life rising out of a feeling of self esteem. Most of these young men came from dysfunctional homes where no father figure was evident and crime was a natural part of their lives. Pat has used art as the tool to lead them into a closer relationship with God.
In December 2007 she exhibited some of their work and 26 paintings were sold. The money they received excited them.
The vision she has for the future is to see other artists sharing their talents within the prison. She would like to see every section of the prison have an art department. Various arts and crafts can be taught from needle work to flower arranging, paper mache, bead work, cards etc. A high standard will be set for exhibition to encourage sales of the work.
Lotsha has arranged a Club Account linked to their Trust Account with Nedbank and each individual’s money will be kept separate and will bear interest with no bank charges. These funds can be used on release or on written instruction from the inmate, by his/her family for schooling, food etc.
Projects and competitions envisaged
include:-
1. Calendars that can be made from their art work.
2. An art competition with different categories with suitable prizes.
3. Art exhibitions
To make this vision a reality we will need people to help sponsor art materials,
teach art and to fund raise.
We often sit back and complain about the crime in our city. This is one way
we can impact lives for the good and make them once again worthwhile citizens.