By: Beverly Snowden, Executive Director, Arts Council of Carteret County, NC

Carteret County Government, Beaufort, NC - The first-ever Inmate Art Show held at the Arts Council of Carteret County last spring proved to successfully showcase a diverse exhibit of beautiful artwork. The inmates named their art show, "Beyond the Fence."

The artistic images reflected memories of the inmates' lives beyond the fence--and some images reflected their current situation, staring out windows with a view of trees or even angelic scenes with hope for a brighter future. The mediums included acrylic, pastels, oils, charcoal, pen/pencil, and watercolor. 

Some art represented their first experience in painting, while other inmates may have acquired experience during their journeys. However, all pieces were stunning and well-received. Most pieces of art included attached documents with inmates sharing words of thankfulness for the opportunity to paint.

A few paintings revealed a bit of humor. One such painting caught the eye of Carteret County Manager, Tommy Burns. The subject of the painting was Barney Fife, a fictional character portrayed by Don Knotts in the 1960's television series, Andy of Mayberry. Taking one look at the painting brought smiles to all. Guests enjoyed the sense of comic relief from McHenry’s painting with the familiar expression on the face of Barney Fife. Burns realized this painting was a keeper, and it was soon marked "sold!"

And who was Barney Fife without his Sheriff, Andy? They were certainly a comical pair with chemistry that helped to make the TV series work.  Sheriff Andy Taylor was portrayed by Andy Griffith in the same television series. And once again, P. McHenry produced a fun work of art, creating a partnering piece for Tommy Burns. Using pastels for the fictional character, Sheriff Andy Taylor, McHenry captured the essence of the wise face we all remember.

The finished painting of “Sheriff Andy” was delivered from the prison to Beverly Snowden, executive director of the Arts Council of Carteret County, who was anxious to get the beautiful gift to County Manager Tommy Burns. Between two recent deployments to help the survivors of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, Burns returned home for a short break and Snowden was able to squeeze-in a few moments to deliver the painting. She was joined by Charles Lane, the brainstorm behind the Inmate Art Show. Lane partnered with Snowden and the ACCC to put together the first Inmate Art Show. Lane serves as the Assistant Judicial District Manager/ District 3 with the Division of Community Supervision, NC Department of Adult Correction. Also joining Snowden and Lane in the presentation was Chief Probation/Parole Officer, London Lanier.

Tommy Burns, a North Carolina native who has served in his role as Carteret County Manager since 2016, is very familiar with the fictional characters from Andy of Mayberry, a television series that he's enjoyed through the years. Burns shared his appreciation of McHenry’s talent, and he thanked everyone involved with making the paintings happen. He was especially grateful for the positive, artistic opportunities provided to all of the inmates from the Arts Council of Carteret County. 

And what characters might come next for the Burns’s collection? One might only guess. Perhaps Aunt Bea or Opie Taylor.

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