By Alex Lane -

Artistically inclined prisoners at Mule Creek State Prison near Ione are readying for an annual art show that showcases their talents and gives back to the community. Hosted by the Amador County Arts Council, the “Inside/Out” art show and sale is a 20 year tradition drawing art collectors from far and wide with a special interest in works done behind bars. “The art and woodwork are of exceptional quality and sell quickly on the first day,” said Jean Walker, Community Partnership Manager for Mule Creek State Prison. “This is one of the ways that the inmates’ give back to neighboring communities in the county of Amador. They participate with the knowledge that their artwork will be sold with the proceeds going to Operation Care which helps victims,” she said. Last year’s show profited more than 13,000 dollars, with 9,000 donated directly to Operation Care. The balance was used to cover the cost of putting the show on this year. According to Walker, there may be only 10 to 15 artists participating, but the show will feature over several hundred pieces, with the majority being ceramic items. “Due to quick sales on the first day, we are planning to balance the inventory evenly between both days of the show and sale,” she said. But this isn’t the only way Mule Creek is giving back to the community. Approximately 3,800 inmates housed there are involved in a variety of activities such as automotive repair, digital mapping and educational opportunities, as well as work with the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Forestry. Walker believes this is just one more way to partner with the community, saying, “the show is one of the many programs we provide to help our inmates work on the rehabilitation process.” The art show takes place Friday and Saturday, November 7th and 8th, beginning at 9am. For more information call Jean Walker at Mule Creek at 274-5019 or Lynn Shield at Operation Care at 223-2897.