Founder

Hilda Vaughan founded Arts Inside in 2018 to learn and grow as an artist with a passion for criminal justice reform. She has worked in the reentry program at the Grundy County Jail (TN) and for Arts Inside as an administrator and as an art teacher in local county jails for many years before retiring to take care of her family.

Owner/Director

Samantha first came to know Arts Inside at a fundraiser event in 2019 and immediately knew she wanted to get involved. She and her husband began volunteering the following year. Starting in the Grundy County jail then overseeing programming at the Franklin County jail, Samantha likes to focus on therapeutic writing and introducing a variety of mediums in her classes. Her compassion for others drives her to continue with the work we do at Arts Inside.

Blake Blevins is a former Americorps VISTA volunteer at the Grundy County Jail. He is currently pursuing a JD degree at Georgetown University.

Liz Rector is a former art class participant at the Grundy County Jail. She is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist at Centerstone.

Sarah Beth Dune is a former art class participant at the Grundy County Jail. She is currently working as a restaurant manager in Columbia, Tennessee, as she continues her daily recovery path.

Dana Rasch was the first Americorps VISTA volunteer to serve at the Grundy County Jail, and he worked with Hilda to launch the original art program. He is currently pursuing a JD degree at the University of La Verne in California.

Trent is the events and grants coordinator for Arts Inside. Having a passion for the arts and their rehabilitative qualities, he is dedicated to helping facilitate programming for the organization.