ART BEHIND BARS INMATE WORKS TO BE AUCTIONED TO BENEFIT KIDS.

Byline: Peggy Hager Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Behind the dull gray walls and barbed-wire fences of California State Prison-Los Angeles County, inmate artists are working to benefit abused children.

The prison's fourth annual auction of inmate artwork will raise money for the Children's Center of the Antelope Valley, which treats child abuse victims.

``The auction is an ideal way for inmates to display their art. It's also a way for inmates to give back to the community,'' said warden Ernie Roe. ``The additional benefit for inmates is it's an activity they can perform at their own pace, and it provides positive productivity.''

The art sale is the only time the general public is invited onto the prison grounds.

Featuring 120 paintings and a few ceramic pieces, the sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday in the administration building of the prison, 44750 60th St. W. A silent auction of some of the better works will close at 1 p.m. Friday.

The prison imposes a strict dress code on visitors: No blue jeans or denim of any kind is allowed and no blue shirts may be worn. No alcohol or weapons are allowed. A valid identification is required to enter the prison grounds.

Silent auction prices usually go from $25 on up, with the highest price in the past being $250. Other paintings will be on sale from $30 to $75.

The past three auctions have raised close to $2,000 each, officials said. Those sales benefited a youth music program.

Inmates have been donating money from food sales at the Lancaster prison to the Children's Center since 1993, shortly after the prison opened. Just recently the center was presented with a $400 check.

Donating the sale proceeds to the Children's Center is a way to serve not only children but children who are victims of crimes, said Lynn Harrison, community resources manager at the prison.

``I really think it's nice,'' said Ingrid Chapman, director of resource development for the Children's Center.

The art was chosen from works done by inmates enrolled in classes in the ``Arts-In-Corrections'' program offered in every state prison. Besides painting and ceramics, the program offers classes in music and acting.

Arts instruction teaches discipline, tolerance, commitment and self- esteem, said Leah Joki, instructional arts facilitator since 1994.

``It only costs one-tenth of 1 percent of the statewide corrections budget to offer these classes to the inmates. It's extremely cost-effective,'' Joki said.

Professional artists are invited to teach the classes, which draw 20 to 25 students each. Many have a waiting list, Joki said.

For more information on the auction, call Joki at [phone], Ext. 5615, or Harrison at [phone], Ext. 6911.

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(color) Inmate art to be auctioned is viewed by, left to right, Children's Center staffer Ingrid Chapman and prison officials Lynn S. Harrison, Ernie Roe and Leah Joki.This farmyard scene is among the inmate works that will be auctioned this week at the California State Prison in Lancaster.This landscape, above, and painting of an Indian in headdress, at right, will be featured at the auction Thursday and Friday. Proceeds benefit charity.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer