“I first encountered Arts Capacity as a Department of Corrections Chaplain. Initially, I was hesitant to bring in the musicians because I feared the program would not resonate with the prison population. Could a lone violinist on a stage capture the attention of men that have been so far removed from culture and normalcy? Could Arts Capacity provide something of value to the prisoners and staff? The answer to these questions was a resounding yes. Arts Capacity and Holly Mulcahy exceeded all my expectations and put all my fears to rest within 15 minutes of the start of the program. Arts Capacity provided more than just a concert. The interactive program encourages prisoners to respond intellectually and emotionally to the music on a deep level.
During the program, I witnessed prisoners express emotions that are normally off-limits in the prison culture. I heard words like loss, hope, love, and forgiveness. I saw men with smiles on their faces and a few silent tears. I chose to become an advocate and Board Member for Arts Capacity because I recognize the therapeutic and spiritual value of the program. I believe Arts Capacity’s unique interactive program assists the incarcerated by increasing their emotional intelligence, which improves institutional behavior and reduces recidivism.”
