Peter Koch's interest in inmate art began when he bought an old jail in Williamsport to house his art gallery.

Since then Koch, owner of the Old Jail Center, 154 W. Third St. in Williamsport, has exhibited and sold prison art -- art works created by prison inmates -- every year.

This year Koch further helped inmate artists gain visibility for their work by serving as a judge for the 11th annual Department of Corrections Inmate Art Exhibit, currently on display in the HUB Browsing Art Galleries.

Titled "Impressions," the exhibit features art work from 15 correctional institutions in Pennsylvania. The top 12 paintings are chosen by a panel of judges for reproduction in the annual Department of Corrections Inmate Art Calendar. Those selected receive a certificate from the prison commissioner and $75.

Ben Livingood, press secretary at the state Department of Corrections at Camp Hill, said the calendar was begun in 1976 as a regular black-and-white pictorial of a day in the life of the prisoners. But in 1980, through a "major technological leap," prisoners produced the calendar in color and featured their art. Livingood said reaction to the calender was overwhelming but added that because of budget constraints, only 2,400 calendars -- 1,000 fewer than last year -- were distributed this year.

"They were just heartbroken," he said of people who didn't receive this year's calendar, which is sent to government agencies, state legislators and correctional institutions.

HUB Craft Center Coordinator Isabel Farrell, who helped judge the contest, stressed the tribulations of a prison artist.

"The thing that needs to be understood is that (the inmates) don't always have access to art supplies. . . . They have to scavenge what they need," she said, citing a prisoner whose entry consisted of folded and woven potato chip bags. She also mentioned a winner in last year's contest, who had been allowed one day a year to work on his art and created metal sculpture under the watchful eye of two armed guards. Also, she added, most of the artists had no formal training.

Jack Allar, spokesperson at the State Correctional Institution at Rockview, said there is some screening done before the prisoner may create art. The prisoner must first apply for an art permit that allows supplies to be sent in at the prisoner's expense. Art is created in cells during free time, but is closely monitored since some drawing pens are very sharp and could be used as weapons or for tattooing.

Koch said he has seen some narrowmindedness and negativism when his patrons view the inmate art. He said prisoners are human beings who must be given a chance to go straight.

"When they don't know who did the art, they usually like it. But when they know it was done by prisoners, there is some prejudice," he said, adding emphatically, "I think people should look at the art work for art work's sake -- prison art should be secondary."

Koch said he believes the art helps reform the popular opinion of "Lock them up and throw away the key."

All those interviewed said art has psychological and rehabilitative value for inmates.

"Creating art allows for a period of tranquility within yourself. It has meditative value," Farrell said. "I think prisoners scrounge for art supplies because their need to create is so overwhelming."

Livingood explained the purpose for the program as a way to show prisoners they can get paid for something they produce with their own hands. "It shows them their own self-worth -- something many in prison don't have."

The exhibit ends March 31.