Arts Inside Out

Arts Inside Volunteer Liz Rector (right) and Arts Inside VISTA Morgan Hornsby (left).

“Arts Inside Out” is a monthly question-and-answer interview, featuring conversations with currently and formerly incarcerated community members, as well as corrections workers, educators, and volunteers. Each subject will share their personal experiences of bringing arts programming to local jail populations, and their own relationships to creativity.  

This month, our Q&A features Liz Rector, a former art class participant at the Grundy County Jail. She is now a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist at Centerstone, and a volunteer with Arts Inside. 

 

Q&A

 

What is your relationship to/experience with Arts Inside?

 

Originally, I was incarcerated at the Grundy County Jail. I was accepted into the Arts Inside classes. Presently, I am a board member and also a volunteer.

 

What artistic hobbies/pastimes do you enjoy?

 

I think what I liked the most while incarcerated was the Striped Creations project, where you make a collage and take a look at yourself and your life.

 

Do you regularly create or make anything? If so, do you share it with others?

 

Recently, me and my daughter, Ella, have started tie-dyeing clothing. That's really fun!

 

When do you feel most creative?

 

I don't create anything regularly. My work schedule is so full it's hard to find time for art projects. I feel most creative on the weekends. I don't work on the weekends so that's when me and Ella tie-dye.

 

Do you consider yourself a creative person?

 

I am a very creative person mentally in my head, but it's hard to put my ideas into motion.

 

Who is the most creative person you know? How have they influenced you?

 

Ms. Hilda (Vaughan) is a very creative person. She makes me think outside the box. She is a big influence in my recovery network.

 

Did you create things during your childhood? 

 

I didn't create a lot when I was a child. I was more of the playing outside type of kid.

 

How do you see the role of art in your life now?

 

Art was never big for me until jail. Through that experience, I learned how much of a benefit art has with mental health. It allows you to branch out to people you wouldn't normally associate with. 

 

How have you seen art/creating make a difference in the lives of others? 

 

I can speak for myself when it comes to making a difference in my life. If it wasn't for Arts Inside, art, and Ms. Hilda, I wouldn't have such a great support system for my recovery journey. Arts Inside and Hilda are amazing! I'm proud to be a part of and associated with them both!

 

Art was never big for me until jail. Through that experience, I learned how much of a benefit art has with mental health.
— Liz Rector, Arts Inside Volunteer
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Arts Inside Out