Known for its creative programming and unusual exhibits, the Artists' Co-op of Washington is taking a bold new step by staging the first exhibit of convict art outside the maximum security State Correctional Institution Fayette, in Luzerne Township.

Art With Conviction will showcase between 120 and 150 pieces of inmate art selected by inmate instructor James Winegar in a special section of the co-op in Washington.

"Out of about 2,000 inmates, a third of whom have life sentences, I deal with about 120 who've earned the privilege to take part in the facility's art program," Mr. Winegar said. "Most are voracious about creating art, and some are extraordinarily talented. Some have been in other correctional institutions where they've taken classes; others are self-taught."

Those chosen to participate in art classes, which usually run an hour and a half, were selected on the basis of good conduct. The range of convictions that landed them in SCI-Fayette range from capital crimes to burglary, robbery and other felonies.

"The art classes are a positive outlet for the inmates that give them something constructive rather than destructive to do and help build self-esteem," said corrections activities manager Melissa Varner. "The inmates selected for the classes have to be in the general population, which means they have a powerful incentive to follow the institution's rules."

The art classes started in July and were taught in a classroom that measures approximately 30 square feet with desks and stools that seat between 12 and 14 students.

Because Mr. Winegar is assisted by two inmate helpers who are "accomplished in their own right," inmates can work on a variety of media -- acrylics, watercolors, charcoal, pastels and pencils.

"One medium that can't be used is oils because the inmates aren't permitted to have access to caustic materials, such as turpentine," Mr. Winegar said. "All materials used are carefully inventoried before and after each session, and when the inmates leave they pass through a metal detector."

Although there are windows in the classroom, they don't have stimulating views, so the inmates use images of landscapes, animals and still lifes found in study books stocked in the institution's library.

At the exhibit, all of the works chosen are available for purchase. Normally the co-op charges a percentage of each sale of nonmember artwork, but organizers have waived all fees. Proceeds from sale of any inmate art will go into their account, from which they can purchase items from the commissary ranging from food to art supplies.

In some instances, inmates can send money home to relatives, and a portion may also be dedicated to pay obligations in terms of judgments assessed against them. Ten percent of proceeds will go to the Inmate General Welfare Fund.

Artwork that isn't sold will be shipped to relatives, organizations or charities, although, in some instances, the inmates may keep some pieces for themselves.

Landscapes, still lifes, portraiture and animals are some of the inmates' favorite subjects.

"We'll have a lot of beautiful work done with an unusual approach," Mr. Winegar said. "Inmate artists are resourceful with limited resources." Some made jewelry boxes from popsicle sticks; others folded art as in origami.

Mr. Winegar said he likes to take a problem-solving approach to his classes. As an example, he cites one inmate who likes to make custom-designed greeting cards. When he was given paper to make them, however, he admitted that he didn't know how to use a ruler to measure.

"I spent eight minutes teaching him a skill he hadn't learned in the previous 34 years of his life," he said. "It's very rewarding to be able to teach someone a basic skill that expands the range of what they can do."

Art With Conviction is at the Artists' Co-op, 30 E. Beau St. in Washington, from April 10 to May 5. On April 10, a Supporters Preview will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. with an admission charge of $15 per person or $25 per couple. From 7 to 9 p.m., a free reception will be open to the general public. For directions, call 724-428-3307.