Alcatraz East Crime Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, has several exciting things planned for guests
Creativity can come from unexpected sources and many people are surprised to see the artistic talent of those serving prison sentences. Encouraged to use their abilities for a beneficial purpose, many prisoners produce thought-provoking artwork in prison art programs and beyond. Alcatraz East Crime Museum is opening a temporary exhibit to display this unique artwork. The lobby exhibit, In Full Color: Graffiti and Prison Art, will display the works of graffiti artists and prisoners through May 2025.
“The works on display in this exhibit are interesting and a great addition to our collection,” says Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “We think our guests will enjoy seeing these unique pieces of artwork and learning more about art programs that utilize the creativity of those incarcerated in a positive light.”
The exhibit will feature such artifacts as a handmade necklace from Charles Manson, Sergeant Lucas’s contraband art archive, and other original artwork by prisoners. Guests can also check out pieces of graffiti artwork on display. Graffiti is often seen in a negative light because it is usually in unwanted areas where people have to spend time and money cleaning it up. The work on display allows graffiti artists to share their talent in an appropriate forum.
According to Psychology Today, art therapy for prisoners is beneficial in several ways, including helping to divert aggression and violence, promote nonverbal communication, create a necessary diversion and emotional escape, and provide an appropriate way for inmates to express themselves.
There are numerous other special days taking place at Alcatraz East Crime Museum in September 2024, including:
- Local Appreciation Days—Residents of Blount, Cocke, Jefferson, Knox, and Sevier counties can enjoy discounted admission rates from September 13 to 22, 2024. Tickets for locals are only $12 per person, plus tax. Identification for proof of residency is required when purchasing tickets at the booth.
- National Talk Like a Pirate Day – Whether you dress up like a pirate or not, guests can save $5 on admission using the code PIRATESBOOTY online on September 19, 2024. There will be tattoos and pirate-themed trivia in the lobby from 10 am to 1 pm
- Homeschool Days – The families and groups that homeschool can save money as they enhance their educational experience. All through September and October 2024, they can get tickets for $12 per person, plus tax. Groups of 10 or more that pre-book can get tickets for $10 per person, plus tax. Groups can pre-book by emailing groupsales@alcatrazeast.com.
“We have some great activities going on this month, including various ways to save on admission,” said Pennington. “Plan a visit this month and check out all we offer.”
The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives and four temporary exhibit spaces, with many famous items on display, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds, and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar. This top museum is open at 10 am daily. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.
Handmade necklace from Charles Manson
Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.
About Alcatraz East
Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can encounter a unique journey into the history of American crime, crime-solving, and our justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages – so much fun it’s a crime! This family attraction is at The Island’s entrance, 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. The last ticket is sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.
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