Some offenders in Delaware’s largest prison are putting their artistic skills to use in a new way.
Inmates often enter James T. Vaughn Correctional Center with tattoos, and they are able to get new ink at the prison’s tattoo studio. That’s where six inmates have been studying with a visiting tattoo veteran as part of a career pathway program.
According to Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor, the Tattoo Artist Career Pathway program came about through some out-of-the-box thinking and discussion.
“It fell together and we kind of brainstormed a little bit, and now we have our very first tattoo artistic career pathway at James T. Vaughn,” Taylor said.
This also addresses health and safety issues that could come about through unsanctioned or unsanitary tattoo practices in the prison population.
“The actual tattoo will need to be reviewed by security to make sure it meets our safety standards, that there are no violent symbols or gang affiliations, any of that,” Taylor said. “Once approved, they can move forward with the actual tattooing phase.”
The customer pays for the tattoo. Payments are divided between the tattoo artist and the prison tattoo studio to cover the costs of the program and equipment expenses.
Larry Normile, owner of Artistic Additions in Dover, is leading the program under the direction of the warden and JTVCC Prison Arts team.
“I take my work seriously and am passionate about teaching, and I am excited about this opportunity to put my experience to work helping incarcerated men develop their skills, learn the value of work, and use their talents to achieve career and life success,” Normile said. “I have been impressed by the artistic ability, positive attitude, and strong work ethic exhibited by our first group of tattoo artist students. I believe this program is already making a difference and is opening the door to second chances.”
At least 25 tattoos have been completed among the inmate population, with 200 customers on the waiting list.
Taylor said she was blown away by the quality of some of the artwork: “amazing, totally amazing.”
Most of the students in the first graduating class are set for release within the next 36 months.
“The skill work, the capability and the talent that we have in that room… they’ll have no problem finding employment in the community,” Taylor said.
In the future, the DOC hopes to expand the training program to include how to remove a tattoo.
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