Incarcerated Artists Showcase Talents at Carytown Spring Artisan Market

A new booth at the annual market features handmade goods by incarcerated individuals to fund youth empowerment and reentry programs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated pattern of a handmade book cover or clothing item, conceptually representing the diverse creative works showcased by incarcerated artists at the Carytown Spring Artisan Market.The vibrant artwork and handmade goods created by incarcerated individuals at the Cellers Corner booth celebrate their talents and raise funds for vital community programs.Lawrenceville Today

The 15th annual Carytown Spring Artisan Market in Richmond, Virginia featured a new booth showcasing handmade art, clothing, and books created by incarcerated individuals. The booth, run by the Bending the Bars Foundation's Cellers Corner initiative, aims to highlight the talents of these artists and raise money for youth empowerment and reentry programs.

Why it matters

The booth's presence at the market aligns with Second Chance Month, providing a platform for incarcerated individuals to share their stories and skills while working to prevent youth from following similar paths. It also sheds light on the impact of incarceration on families and the importance of supporting reentry efforts.

The details

The Cellers Corner booth featured items created by men housed in Virginia Department of Corrections facilities, including the Buckingham and Lawrenceville correctional centers. Proceeds from the artwork, books, and apparel go back into the community or directly support the incarcerated creators, such as funding an art program run by Larry Capers inside Lawrenceville or youth empowerment initiatives by authors Rashad Floyd and Mr. Poetic. The booth also featured a clothing line and a book about starting a trucking company by an individual named Damien, with proceeds supporting reentry resources, as well as a book by Sonia Staples highlighting the experience of being a prison wife for 27 years.

  • The 15th annual Carytown Spring Artisan Market took place on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The market continues on Sunday, April 13, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The players

Cellers Corner

An initiative by the Bending the Bars Foundation that features handmade goods created by incarcerated individuals to fund youth empowerment and reentry programs.

Nicole Deyo

The director of the Bending the Bars Foundation, which runs the Cellers Corner booth at the Carytown Spring Artisan Market.

Larry Capers

An incarcerated individual who runs an art program inside the Lawrenceville correctional center, with proceeds from his artwork going towards the program.

Rashad Floyd

An incarcerated author whose book sales fund youth empowerment initiatives.

Mr. Poetic

An incarcerated author whose book sales fund youth empowerment initiatives.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We want to highlight these individuals because they all deserve a second chance, not just off of the fact of the years they've served, but it's due to actually their efforts and the things that they've contributed behind the walls.”

— Nicole Deyo, Director, Bending the Bars Foundation

“We want the outside, the judicial system, the community to understand that incarceration is not all bad. Individuals that are behind those walls are not all bad, and a lot of them have testimonies and stories that need to be heard.”

— Nicole Deyo, Director, Bending the Bars Foundation

What’s next

The Carytown Spring Artisan Market will continue on Sunday, April 13, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing an opportunity for more visitors to discover the Cellers Corner booth and support the incarcerated artists.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the talents and stories of incarcerated individuals, challenging stereotypes and providing a platform for them to contribute positively to their communities. By supporting programs that empower youth and aid reentry, the Cellers Corner booth demonstrates how incarceration can be an opportunity for rehabilitation and second chances.