Norton Inmate Models Creativity
model helicopter
Since he was incarcerated several years ago, the man took up creating model vehicles in his cell – some as small as a shoebox, others as large as a child’s tri-cycle – using only the most rudimentary of materials.
Employing little more than paper, glue and paint, the man crafts model vehicles of all types which appear so realistic, you’d swear they came out of a kit from a hobby store.
He recently donated a 1920 Model-T pickup truck to a raffle. The item brought $200.00 to benefit the K9 halfway house dog program at the Kansas Department of Corrections Stockton Facility. He hopes to sell the helicopter to benefit St. Catherine’s Hospital in Garden City, KS.
The inmate has created models of numerous antique vehicles, but also has made an airplane and a large John Deere tractor.
“He’s totally self-taught,” said NCF Public Information Officer Terry Petrie. “He’s incredibly resourceful. He uses cardboard paper, toilet paper and regular paper which he buys from the canteen. And what he does with it is just remarkable.”
Petrie said the inmate uses his own money for the materials. When he completes a project, a member of his family will usually takes it home with them after one of their regular visits.
“He’s very happy when people are able to see and appreciate his projects, and he wants to use them to benefit others,” said Petrie. “He hopes that they can be auctioned or sold for a good cause.”
Petrie said the inmate will devote several hours a day on a project, when his schedule allows, and sometimes he works for weeks or months to achieve a finished product. His most recent project is the Eagle Med Flight for Life Helicopter which he started in March 2013, and which took him three months and 22 days to complete.
“We’re always looking for productive outlets for the inmates, where they gain a sense of accomplishment and learn new skills,” said Petrie. “This particular inmate is a real testament to the kind of talent these men have and the potential they have to do good in our society.”
