A large mural will be unveiled at a Des Moines shopping mall tonight as the first part of a project to add a splash of color to troubled lives. John Busbee, executive director of the Des Moines Art District, says the mural is being painted by Dennis Adams, a professional artist.The 12-by-18-foot mural is also being painted by a group of inmates from the Fort Des Moines Correctional Complex. Busbee says it’s a goal for the project to eventually involve more murals and more imprisoned adults and youth across Iowa.Busbee says art in corrections dramatically cuts recidivism and inmates are more likely to succeed once released. “HeARTland Collaboration” also aims to pursue similar inmate projects in the mediums of dance, theatre and video production.
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