ART INSIDE OUT - A PROGRAM BY KIRK CHARLTON
Art Inside Out
Discover how creativity, effort, and emotional honesty are changing lives—inside prison walls and beyond.
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by Kirk Charlton
Orientation: Welcome to Art Inside Out
At its core, Art Inside Out is built on the belief that creating art is curative. It’s a powerful tool for healing, growth, and transformation. This program celebrates the many benefits of artistic expression and invites participants to explore how creativity can support emotional and mental wellness.
Art Inside Out provides a unique experience in a fun and positive environment. It is a fact that being in a positive environment is very powerful in terms of benefiting you as a person. In many cases it can augment medications or be better than other temporary fixes.
It has been established that creating art is curative and works in healing. This is a program that promotes Art and its many benefits.
Introduction: Why Art Matters
Art-making requires focus and intention. That concentration helps quiet negative or intrusive thoughts, making space for more positive, constructive ones. In this state, participants often find themselves more open to learning, healing, and personal insight.
This introductory session is designed to give you a taste of what the full Art Inside Out (AIO) program offers. You’ll engage in sample exercises, explore art lessons, and participate in the kind of open dialogue that defines the AIO experience.
What We Do in ART INSIDE OUT
- Creative Expression – Hands-on art activities that encourage self-discovery and emotional release
- Mindful Dialogue – Group conversations that foster connection, reflection, and shared insight
- Personal Growth – Tools and exercises that support healing, resilience, and empowerment
Whether you’re new to art or a lifelong creator, AIO welcomes you to explore your inner world through creativity.
A Program That Begins with Value
Art Inside Out is a 12-lesson creative learning experience designed to help individuals rediscover their self-worth, purpose, and inner peace. Developed by artist and Facilitator Kirk Charlton during his time in Oregon’s prison system, the program blends drawing, storytelling, and self-reflection to foster healing and hope—one pencil stroke at a time.
Program Impact In The Department of Correction
- 5% RECIDIVISM RATE FOR AIO GRADUATES (COMPARED TO 50% STATE AVERAGE)
- ACTIVE IN PRISONS, RECOVERY CENTERS, AND REENTRY PROGRAMS
- HUNDREDS OF PARTICIPANTS HAVE COMPLETED THE CURRICULUM SINCE 2016
Before & After
Participants leave with a renewed sense of identity, the tools to manage stress, and the mindset to build a better life. Art becomes the foundation—not just for creativity, but for self-control and empathy.
Who We Work With: Expanding Access to Creative Wellness
Art Inside Out partners with a wide range of organizations that believe in the power of creativity to heal, connect, and transform. Our program is designed to be flexible and inclusive, making it a perfect fit for community services, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and professional networks seeking to support emotional wellness, personal growth, and social impact through art.
Whether you’re a recovery center, a vocational school, or a senior living community, AIO offers a trauma-informed, arts-based curriculum that meets people where they are.
We work with organizations that serve:
- Youth and adults in transition
- Individuals navigating trauma, addiction, or mental health recovery
- Communities seeking creative enrichment and connection
- Professionals exploring wellness and team-building through art
Our Other partners include:
- Schools, therapeutic programs, and adult education groups
- Hospitals, rehab centers, and occupational therapy programs
- DEI departments, HR wellness initiatives, and creative industry hubs
- Senior communities, assisted living facilities, and palliative care centers
- Arts venues, libraries, festivals, and public art projects
- Nonprofits, shelters, reentry programs, and immigrant support centers
Art Inside Out is more than a curriculum—it’s a catalyst for storytelling, reflection, and empowerment. We’re proud to collaborate with mission-driven organizations that value creativity as a tool for healing and change.
Community & Social Services
Community centers
Neighborhood associations
Cultural heritage organizations
Public libraries (for workshops or rotating exhibits)
Reentry programs (for formerly incarcerated individuals)
Immigrant and refugee resource centers
DV or trauma recovery shelters
Educational & Developmental Spaces
Alternative high schools
Adult education programs
Vocational schools
Therapeutic day schools
Special needs programs
Online learning platforms (for hybrid or remote versions)
Business & Professional Networks
HR wellness initiatives
Diversity, equity & inclusion departments
Creative industry meetups (e.g., design firms, studios)
Local chambers of commerce
Startup incubators with social impact focus
Healthcare Expansion
Occupational therapy programs
Palliative care centers
Eating disorder clinics
Veterans hospitals or VA facilities
Arts & Culture Venues
Theater companies
Community murals and public art projects
Open studios and makerspaces
Festival pop-ups or wellness retreats
We also work with
Assisted Living/Retirement
Hospital
Camps
Colleges
Non profit Organization
Non profit Organization
Rehab/Behavioral Health
Assisted Living/Retirement
Hospital
Camps
Colleges
Who We Work With
Assisted Living/Retirement
Hospital
Camps
Colleges
Youth/Young Adult Organizations
Corporate
Non profit Organization
Rehab/Behavioral Health
Phisical Therapy
Memory Care Facility
Churches
Art Gallery
3 AIO MODULES
Lesson 1: You Are Valuable
Participants begin with affirmations and breathing exercises that set the tone for self-worth. The focus is on recognizing intrinsic value through creative prompts.
Lesson 2: Draw Effort
Introduces the concept of “effort” using drawing as a metaphor. Participants illustrate their own determination and reflect on how intention changes results.
Lesson 3: Goal & Gratitude Mapping
Combines artistic goal-setting with gratitude. Encourages self-awareness by illustrating life goals, short-term priorities, and personal strengths.
4th MODULES
Lesson 1: Youth Focus Program
Participants begin with affirmations and breathing exercises that set the tone for self-worth. The focus is on recognizing intrinsic value through creative prompts.
Endorsements
Retired Chief Medical Officer, EOCI
Dr. Bud Beamer, MD
Art Inside Out is an exceptional course and provides a unique opportunity for growth through understanding, reflection, and actual accomplishments.
(RD-H)2 media llc
Robin D.
This program is amazing. Kirk's story and his knowledge of art have been combined to create a program that people connect with. It engages their creativity and helps open their mind to new concepts and healthy thinking.
Adult in Custody, ODOC
Gary
To teach this class to inmates I believe is a great idea because it fosters self- esteem and gives individuals another
way of looking at the world.
Art is very therapeutic, and it's great this prison gives us this class.
Director, Parity Wellness
Julie K. Hooker, MSLADC
We use the Art Inside Out Program at our Recovery Center in St. Paul Minnesota.
AIO works well with people struggling with addictions.
The concept allows my clients the ability to reach their true selves.
Stay in touch with Kirk
Get news about Art Inside Out and Events
BOOK STORE
Art Inside Out
Welcome to Art Inside Out! We call it AIO for short. Relax and believe that you will benefit from this program. If you think about it, we use a lot of the same methods in creating art that we use to better our lives.
Art is fun! We all want to create and produce something. When we are unaided and unlimited, our creative minds are in overdrive and will create and entertain. This is powerful and an opportunity to introduce positive dialogue.
This is a recovery program that will naturally elicit a genuine response from you. The primary goal of Art Inside Out is to use creativity as a vehicle to get to your true and genuine self. In other words, who you were meant to be.
Art Inside Out will combine Art and encouraging material to help create a better you. When we are isolated and alone, we do a lot of thinking and ruminating about our lives thus far. AIO believes that this can be a time to be creative and productive.
About the Author
Kirk Charlton, creator of the Art Inside Out program, is committed to using art as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. With a lifelong passion for creating, Kirk has experienced the transformative benefits of art in fostering confidence and self-worth. He shares his own story of overcoming feelings of insignificance, helping others to recognize their value and importance. In addition to his program, Kirk is the award-winning illustrator of Daddy, Are You a Duck? and the author and illustrator of the I Want to Be children’s book series.
Through Art Inside Out, Kirk guides participants to understand how creativity can bring beauty, purpose, and connection to their lives.
Art Inside Out : faith edition
Welcome to Art Inside Out! We call it AIO for short. Relax and believe that you will benefit from this program. If you think about it, we use a lot of the same methods in creating art that we use to better our lives.
Art is fun! We all want to create and produce something. When we are unaided and unlimited, our creative minds are in overdrive and will create and entertain. This is powerful and an opportunity to introduce positive dialogue.
This is a recovery program that will naturally elicit a genuine response from you. The primary goal of Art Inside Out is to use creativity as a vehicle to get to your true and genuine self. In other words, who you were meant to be.
Art Inside Out will combine Art and encouraging material to help create a better you. When we are isolated and alone, we do a lot of thinking and ruminating about our lives thus far. AIO believes that this can be a time to be creative and productive.
About the Author
Kirk Charlton, creator of the Art Inside Out program, is committed to using art as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. With a lifelong passion for creating, Kirk has experienced the transformative benefits of art in fostering confidence and self-worth. He shares his own story of overcoming feelings of insignificance, helping others to recognize their value and importance. In addition to his program, Kirk is the award-winning illustrator of Daddy, Are You a Duck? and the author and illustrator of the I Want to Be children’s book series.
Through Art Inside Out, Kirk guides participants to understand how creativity can bring beauty, purpose, and connection to their lives.
Art Inside Out: recovery edition
Welcome to Art Inside Out! We call it AIO for short. Relax and believe that you will benefit from this program. If you think about it, we use a lot of the same methods in creating art that we use to better our lives.
Art is fun! We all want to create and produce something. When we are unaided and unlimited, our creative minds are in overdrive and will create and entertain. This is powerful and an opportunity to introduce positive dialogue.
This is a recovery program that will naturally elicit a genuine response from you. The primary goal of Art Inside Out is to use creativity as a vehicle to get to your true and genuine self. In other words, who you were meant to be.
Art Inside Out will combine Art and encouraging material to help create a better you. When we are isolated and alone, we do a lot of thinking and ruminating about our lives thus far. AIO believes that this can be a time to be creative and productive.
About the Author
Kirk Charlton, creator of the Art Inside Out program, is committed to using art as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery. With a lifelong passion for creating, Kirk has experienced the transformative benefits of art in fostering confidence and self-worth. He shares his own story of overcoming feelings of insignificance, helping others to recognize their value and importance. In addition to his program, Kirk is the award-winning illustrator of Daddy, Are You a Duck? and the author and illustrator of the I Want to Be children’s book series.
Through Art Inside Out, Kirk guides participants to understand how creativity can bring beauty, purpose, and connection to their lives.
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