Los Gatos United Methodist Church is about to open its doors to a unique art exhibition. The church is unveiling art created by inmates from the correctional facilities of Santa Clara County on Sunday.

According to organizers, “Open the Door! Art from Within,” is an affirmation of the humanity and dignity of incarcerated women and men. The program supporting the inmates’ art is managed by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. The works are a result of collaborations between inmates in classes at each correctional facility. The classes are led by volunteers.

“Los Gatos United Methodist Church has a long history of celebrating life and spirit through music, dance, poetry and art in all its form. This exhibit will be more than an art show. This art is about healing, redemption, and finding humanity in people who are often seen only through the lens of their crime,” said the church’s Pastor Jennifer Murdock in a statement.

Initially, the artwork produced within the correctional facilities was not intended to be exhibited, but one of the inmates involved asked who will see their art.

The question inspired program administrators to exhibit some of the pieces. Over the last 7 years, there have been six inmate art shows at places like the Santa Clara County Hall of Justice, the Santa Clara Government Center, Valley Medical Center, and the San Jose Quilt and Textile Museum.

Inmates not only create their own art, but also get the chance to see how it’s put on display for the public. During the mounting process, still images or video is shared with the inmates so they can see their art within the venues. At a previous exhibit at the Hall of Justice, the video shared with the inmates brought them to tears, said organizers of the program.

More than 25 inmate pieces will be exhibited during this show, from almost 100 inmates who worked with the themes of: healing, transformation and spirit. Raw materials for the pieces come from grants, merchant donations and individual donations.

“When people are put in jail, they become invisible. They will, however, ultimately be part of the fabric of every community. By tapping into their creative side, they become aware of their positive assets,” said Elaine Bondonno of the program. “Having these inner resources to draw upon provides ways to better cope with their current or future situations. The inmates themselves have noted that community art has encouraged cooperation, unity and peace within the facility,”

The exhibit runs July 5-July 29. Opening Reception is Sunday, June 24, 2-5 p.m. and the exhibition opens to public on Thursday, July 5, 6-9 p.m., Wednesdays, July 11, 18, and 25, 6-9 p.m. The church is located at 111 Church St, Los Gatos. Phone 408-354-4730. Visit: lgumc.org for details.