Con-scious Expressions Exhibit On Display At Perla Throughout Art Month

The CAA is proud to announce the special exhibition “Con-scious Expressions: An Insider’s Perspective” is now on display at Perla Baking Co. in downtown DeFuniak Springs through May 31st. The public is invited to a closing reception celebrating the exhibit on Friday, May 28th from 4:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m.

“Con-scious Expressions” was made possible through a new partnership with Restorative Justice volunteers Libby Fisher and Erica Averion and the Walton Correctional Institution (WCI) and features original work created by residents of three dorms within WCI.

The title of the exhibit was submitted by WCI resident Michael George who states, “I chose this title because I truly believe that our prisons house many talented men and women. However, most of the media coverage of prisons and prisoners will never show that. Many of us are just broken individuals who made a poor choice in a moment of weakness. Our art creations are conscious expressions of our joy, pain, despair, and hope. The exhibit will hopefully give those who see it a glimpse of our humanity as well as an appreciation of our creativity.”

"This art exhibit was born organically from friendships among Walton County women. CAA Executive Director Jennifer Steele mentioned to CAA board member Mimi Gavigan her goal to create a jail/prison art outreach program,” said Restorative Justice volunteer Libby Fisher. “Mimi knew of the volunteer work that Erica and I were doing, and so we met, brainstormed and developed the idea of the art exhibit. The administration at Walton Correctional Institute - the Florida state prison in DeFuniak Springs - was enthusiastic and supportive. We hope to show the public the talent and humanity of people in prison."

The DeFuniak Springs exhibition is happening in coordination with Perla Baking Co. and Anne Hunter of Anne Hunter Galleries who curates exhibits at Perla.

“Perla is an exceptionally beautiful art exhibition space in Walton County, made possible by Dan and Sally Bailey,” said Anne Hunter. “I’m thrilled to support the Cultural Arts Alliance in showcasing the poignant work of these very talented artists in our county seat, DeFuniak Springs.”

The exhibit can be viewed in person at Perla through May 31st as well as online at CulturalArtsAlliance.com. It will then move to the reception area at Walton Correctional Institution to be seen by the inmates’ families and visitors.

Following the May 28th closing reception, guests can continue their downtown DeFuniak Springs experience with live music by The Wortheys at ‘Music On Main’ located on Baldwin Avenue in the historic Florida Chautauqua Theatre. Music on Main tickets are available at fcweb.org/musiconmain.