Penitentiary Bend

PENITENTIARY BEND is an actual place on a river called Big Sugar in McDonald County, Missouri. According to legend, it got its name when some outlaws were captured near this bluff location. The artist comments, “It became symbolic to me one fall afternoon as I was traveling the back roads along Big Sugar. The glorious sight of eagles soaring high over the bend was inspirational. It was then I began to understand their significance. Only when we are set free from the confinements and bondage of our sin, are we able to soar in our spirits.” The backpack carried by the traveler represents the burden of our own sins. Here it is discarded and left lying on the ground. To know Jesus is to know the truth. It is the truth that sets us free.