The Ultimate Man Cave

by | Dec 7, 2023 | Visual Arts

December 4, 2023: When our visual arts teacher, Sharmila Karamchandani has a class, we know magic happens. Her art challenges are always creative and meaningful, but even we weren’t prepared for … creating a man cave? Yes, that’s what she asked the artists of the Arlington County Detention Facility Community Readiness Unit (CRU) to imagine. On her Facebook page Sharmila wrote, “…I am always surprised to see the end result what comes out during these sessions…I always leave with so much to think and contemplate about. I feel blessed to be able to do this type of work in the community and let art be the vehicle to create meaningful conversations and hear people out. Each person has so much to offer if we care to listen.”

Top left: This person has always loved this retro design chair, speakers, a carpet where he can pray, a singing bowl and bowl to burn sage during his meditation.

Top right: This person has put colourful lights that drop from the ceiling, a table at the center to sit and play games. A library of books as he loves to read, bean bags to sit on, a big TV and all four corners have speakers for surround sound.

Bottom left: This person drew icons of what would be prominent in his man cave. Definitely music and peace and balance.

Bottom right: This person has a sacred place where he can go pray, meditate. He didn’t want any other distractions. He said he can process better in silence and recharge when there are no distractions.

Let’s Talk!

by | Dec 4, 2023 | Public Speaking

October – November 2023: Securing a job is a top priority for people returning to the community after incarceration. And, that first impression with a potential employer makes all the difference. Our award-winning actor/ producer/ public speaking teacher Mike Baker helped the women in the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center learn those skills, and along the way, give them confidence and a head start on post-incarceration success.