Alexandria Inmates Compete in Art Contest

Skulls, snakes and fire, a lighthouse and Captain America reap top awards

Shawn Carlan was born to draw, but only finds time in jail. The former tattoo artist started drawing as a child, but his focus and natural ability have admittedly been marred by bad choices. On Thursday, Carlan won first place in the Alexandria Detention Center’s second annual art competition. “All of my feelings are put into my drawing,” Carlan said, after receiving his award from Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne. “Every time I’m in jail I draw. When I hit the street’s I don’t, but if I did, I’d be in a better place.” Nearly 70 inmates who participated in the jail’s art program voted on 12 entrees in the competition. First prize was $20; second was $15 and third place was $10. “One of the things we truly believe is that whatever we can …

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