Paintings by inmates at the Women's Community Correctional Center have been included in the Hawaii Watercolor Society's 46th annual open show currently on display at the Pauahi Tower.

The artwork comes from 11 women who participate in the Total Life Recovery Program, which includes a weekly three-hour watercolor class. "The art of expression through the medium of watercolor has expanded their horizons. It has been a gift for the women to recognize their own hidden talents," said Bonnie Holcombe, the facility chaplain at the prison.

The classes are taught by octogenarian Ruth Laird Pastor, a signature member of the Hawaii Watercolor Society. Pastor originally paid for the materials herself, but the program is now supported by the society's educational fund.

The 27 paintings come from a single year of lessons, according to Frances Hill, who handles publicity for the watercolor group. "Participating inmates have expressed a strong desire to continue for the long term, and given the opportunity to sell their work, some expressed a desire to put any earnings back into the program," she said.

The inmates' work is just part of the open show, which will be open through Oct. 24 at the Pauahi Tower at 1001 Bishop St. Four pieces in the show have been selected as potential purchases by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.

For more information, visit www.hawaiiwatercolorsociety.org.