Art for Justice Collaborations with Other Organizations
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.
In March, 2009 Ann Marie had given a presentation about the mission and work of Art for Justice to John Jay students. Following both presentations there was dynamic and thought provoking dialogue about violence, crime, justice and art among the students, many of whom plan to enter the fields of Criminal Justice and Corrections, Professor Kamara and Ms. Kirk.
In August, 2009 Prof. Kamara and Ms. Kirk met with Charles Lawson at Graterford SCI to discuss the content of the John Jay presentation and ideas for future collaborations.
The Pennsylvania Prison Society
The Pennsylvania Prison Society has worked for social justice since its founding in 1787. The organization Mission is to promote a "humane, just and restorative correctional system and a rational approach to criminal justice."
At the 2009 Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Prison Society there was an art auction of inmate art at to raise funds for the organization. Art for Justice donated a limited edition print of Charles Lawson’s painting, "Logan Square" which raised $125 for the Prison Society. In 2008 Mr. Lawson’s "Bird of Paradise" raised $300 for the Prison Society.
CURE: Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants
Art for Justice collaborates with 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.
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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.
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 create a mural bringing together Victims of Crime with Offenders at Graterford Prison.
Art for Justice donated two Charles Lawson prints which were displayed at the Mural Arts Exhibit in March 2009. The sale of the prints raised $250 for the Mural Arts Program’s work at Graterford Prison. While the exhibit was on view the Mural Arts Program invited Art for Justice Director, AM Kirk to join a panel to discuss issues of the Arts and the Criminal Justice System.
STOPMAX
Art for Justice attended monthly meetings of STOPMAX, a grassroots effort spearheaded by American Friends Service Committee to abolish torture, abuse, and isolation in United States prisons.
Sagewriters
Art for Justice gave permission for Sagewriters to use artworks by Art for Justice artists Charles Lawson and Daniel Gwynn in a documentary, "Healing Justice" directed by Judith Truestone.
Latin American Cultural Exchange Organization
Art for Justice attended the Annual LACEO (Latin American Cultural Exchange Organization) Banquet at Graterford SCI. The Annual LACEO Banquet featured awards for community members and inmates who have worked to improve lives of individuals within institutions, reduce recidivism and enhance public safety.
  The Leeway Foundation
Art for Justice Director, Ann Marie Kirk, performed her poetry at the Leeway Foundatin's Annual Cabaret on October 5, 2009 at the International House in Philadelphia. The evening featured the works of women artists who have used their art to promote social change. In 2008 Ann Marie received a Transformation Award from the Leeway Foundation for her poetry and photography. A multidisciplinary artist, Ann Marie uses her art to work for transformative change in the Criminal Justice and Corrections Systems.
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