Collaborations and Events in conjunction with Art For Justice

The Pennsylvania Prison Society

The Pennsylvania Prison Society, which has worked for social justice since its founding in 1787, will attend and provide materials for the Art for Justice exhibit Art for Justice: Incarcerated Artists’ Creations from Within at Widener University’s Art Gallery: August 30 – October 15, 2011.

The Mission of the PA Prison Society is to promote a “humane, just and restorative correctional system and a rational approach to criminal justice”. Art for Justice supports the work of the PA Prison Society and has raised funds for the organization through the sale of limited edition prints.

Justice & Mercy

Justice & Mercy is an organization that examines the effectiveness of programs, policies and procedures in our criminal justice system and sheds light on the issues in matters of great importance to the general public and the legislators. Art for Justice has joined the Criminal Justice/Public Safety Coalition headed by Justice & Mercy. Among the legislation supported by the Coalition in 2010 was the effort to end the policy of shackling female offenders during the delivery of their babies. The legislation was passed unanimously.

Art for Justice has invited Justice & Mercy to attend and contribute information for the upcoming Art for Justice exhibit at Widener University’s Art Gallery (see above).

Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia

Charles Lawson, co-founder of Art for Justice, continues to paint murals with the Mural Arts Project’s Graterford Arts Program. Mr. Lawson contributed ideas about redemption, transformation and art in the documentary film produced by Tony Grazia and Cindy Burnstein, “Concrete, Steel and Paint”. The film which premiered in July, 2009 celebrates the work of the Mural Arts Program, highlighting Director Jane Golden’s attempts to bring together Victims of Crime with Offenders at Graterford Prison and create a mural.

Art for Justice is moving forward with its project, Portraits of Philadelphia, which will include several portraits of artists who work for the Mural Arts Program. Art for Justice anticipates showing these works in 2012.

top

Witness

Boston College featured an article about Art for Justice in its April, 2011 edition of the journal, Witness. The article, written by Amanda Duggan, included images of works by Art for Justice artists Daniel Gwynn and George Lopez.

Horizons
The Presbyterian Women’s Magazine’s May/June 2010 issue of Horizons, focused on Incarceration in the United States. Horizons used a painting, “Where’s Daddy” by Art for Justice artist, Daniel Gwynn, to illustrate an article about the effects of incarceration on families.

Human Kindness Foundation

The 2010 edition of “Lineage,” inspirational works published and distributed by the Human Kindness Foundation, has the cover illustration by Luiz David Gonzalez, an Art for Justice artist.

Villanova University

Villanova University held a Dedication Ceremony on October 28, 2009 of a painting, “McKenna’s Vision,” created by Art for Justice Co-Founder, Charles Lawson, with the assistance of Luiz Gonzalez. The 5’ x 10’ painting honors the work of Dr. James J. McKenna, Jr. Professor of Sociology, founder of Villanova’s Bachelor of Arts program at Graterford Prison in 1972. The Villanova program has had more than 50 graduates who have earned Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees.

The painting features Dr. McKenna, Villanova President, Fr. Peter Donohue, O.S.A, as well as several inmate-students. Centered in the painting is Gerry Givnish, Founder and retired Director of the Painted Bride Art Center in Philadelphia, who volunteered for 7 years as an art teacher at Graterford. Charles Lawson also included himself and Ray Yabor, Founder of the Latin American Cultural Exchange Organization at Graterford Prison in the painting.

Dr. Joseph Betz, Department of Philosophy, was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. As guests overfilled the Cinema Lobby in the Connelly Student Center, Rev. Peter Donohue gave Dedicatory Remarks. Art for Justice Director, Ann Marie Kirk shared statements prepared by artists Charles Lawson and Luiz Gonzalez. Mrs. Mary Jane McKenna gave concluding Words of Appreciation.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Art for Justice Director, Ann Marie Kirk, gave a lecture at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City on October 15, 2009. Professor Kewulay Kamara, of the African American Studies Department had requested the lecture which was entitled Art/Transformation and the Criminal Justice System. The presentation was supported with a display of artworks by Charles Lawson, George Lopez, Daniel Gwynn and Eddie Ramirez as well as works by youth from the Road Map for Life Workshops.

CURE: Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants

Art for Justice supports CURE, an organization that brings together families, friends and advocates for offenders and ex-offenders to work on issues that affect their families and communities. The objectives of CURE are to work to ensure that prisons be used only for those who absolutely must be incarcerated and that prisoners have access to the resources they need to turn their lives around.

Human Rights Coalition

Art for Justice supports the work of the Human Rights Coalition, especially their steadfast efforts to eliminate the use of Isolation, and other cruel and abusive practices, within prisons. As a “civilized” society, the use of policies and practices such as Isolation, are an affront to human dignity and do not to enhance public safety.

top