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Art Behind Bars, the art-based community service program for inmates at Monroe County Detention Center, is pleased to announce it will celebrate it's “14^th Birthday Party Show” on Sunday, November 23^rd at the Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa from 5-8 p.m. The event will showcase the artwork and community-service projects of the local program, as well as artwork donated by inmates nationwide, and the work of former inmates participating in Art AFTER Bars. There will be a fabulous birthday buffet, wonderful silent auction, unusual door prizes, live entertainment by Mary Spear & Bubba Low Notes, cash bar, and more.

This past year has seen some incredible achievements. In March, Art Behind Bars celebrated their 1,000^th class. In May, former student Candy Mense graduated from FKCC with a degree in addiction therapy, and won two Anne McKee grants. In September, the program had a show in Tallahassee at Division of Cultural Affairs headquarters.

Founded in 1994 by artist Lynne Vantriglia, the program has served almost 7,500 inmates with twice-weekly art classes.. Much of the artwork created is then donated to non-profit organizations throughout the community, as well as around the country. In this manner, artwork valued at more than $100,000 has been contributed to 400 diverse groups.

All proceeds from the event benefit Art Behind Bars, a 501-(c)-3 non-profit organization. Art Behind Bars is sponsored in part by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Florida Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, and private donations. For more information, visit www.artbehindbars.org or phone 305-304-4772.