|
Art for Justice exhibits inmate art to stimulate a dialogue with viewers about the issues of violence, crime and incarceration. The artists have reached within to make creative responses while incarcerated. They share their works to bring public awareness to the absolute need for change and transformation throughout society.
Since 1997 Art for Justice artworks have been displayed in exhibits in over 38 locations in the Philadelphia area including the Community College of Philadelphia, Temple University, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pendell Hill, Swarthmore Presbyterian Church, Berean Presbyterian Church, White Dog Cafe, etc.
Art for Justice Exhibits in 2009
Art/Transformation and the Criminal Justice System — John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City
Art for Justice Director, Ann Marie Kirk, presented a lecture and art display at John Jay College in NYC on October 15, 2009 at the invitation of African American Studies' Professor Kewulay Kamara. During the event Ann Marie shared artworks that reflected the transformative Journey of the artists. She also recited the poetry of incarcerated artists and some of her own poems.
On March 23, 2009 Ann Marie gave a lecture and art display at John Jay College about the mission and works of Art for Justice. Dynamic dialogue about violence, crime, art and the Criminal Justice Systems took place among the students, Ann Marie and Professor Kamara following both presentations.
Road Map for Life Exhibit
New Life Youth and Family Services in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Art for Justice held an exhibit of Incarcerated Artists works on June 26, 2009 as the culminating celebration for youth who participated in the Road Map for Life Workshops at New Life Youth and Family Services. The Exhibit was an opportunity for the youth to interact in positively ways with Staff, Family and Community Members, demonstrating the social, cognitive skills they learned in the workshops The youth gave guided tours to many of the guests, explaining the meaning in the paintings and sharing their own art and poetry.
During the Exhibit Art for Justice Director, Ann Marie Kirk, recognized each of the students and called them to stand before the guests who applauded their work. The young men were congratulated by New Life President, Kim Dent, and presented with bound copies of their Workbooks. Many of the guests said that they were deeply moved by exhibit and, especially by the interactions they had with the young men who were in the Road Map for Life Workshops.
top
Reflections from the Abyss: Redemptions in Time
Saint Asaph Gallery
Saint Asaph Gallery in Bala Cynwyd, presented "Reflections from the Abyss: Redemptions in Tim" an exhibit curated by Art for Justice, January 16 through February 5, 2009. The Opening Reception for the exhibit held on January 16, 2008 brought together over 130 guests, a rich mix of community members from the Philadelphia area to see an inspirational and challenging collection of inmate art.
During the Opening Reception Art for Justice gave a Spoken Word Presentation with readers, Julia Lopez, Executive Director of Centro Pedro Claver, Gerry Givnish, Founder and retired Executive Director of the Painted Bride Arts Center, Cameron Holmes, poet and songwriter, and Ann Marie Kirk, Co-founder and Director of Art for Justice. The Presentation included poetry from a victim of crime and poetry and statements by the artists, offenders who claim to be wrongly convicted or are guilty seeking redemption.
The goal of exhibiting the art of incarcerated individuals is two fold: firstly to stimulate a dialogue with viewers about ways to prevent crime, reduce levels of incarceration, and find effective, humane ways to improve the criminal justice system. The second goal is to show the humanity behind bars and promote humane policies throughout the criminal justice and correction systems.
Some of the artworks at the exhibit are used in the Road Map for Life Workshops for high risk youth, a program aimed to help them turn away from violence and crime and learn to make choices that lead to success. Proceeds from limited edition prints of artist Charles Lawson will benefit the Workshops that will be given at New Life Youth and Family Services, a residential program for high risk youth from Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
To enhance the dialogue about issues of violence, crime and incarceration, a Docent Tour of the artworks and a Public Discussion took place on February 1. The responses from guests at the Opening Reception, the Docent Tour, and throughout the duration of the exhibit were of acclaim and inspiration. "Breath Taking! Thought Provoking! Thank you for the Opportunity to hear the voices of incarcerated individuals. The discussion was eye-opening and passionate." wrote one of the guests.
Art for Justice thanks Saint Asaph Gallery for hosting the exhibit and participating in the dialogue about issues of violence, crime and incarceration.
Art for Justice Exhibits in 2008
Berean Presbyterian Church at Broad & Diamond in Philadelphia.
Art for Justice was invited by Pastor Michael Evans to display artworks at the Anti-Violence Event on September 22, 2008. It was an honor to hear the inspirational choirs and celebrate the strength and resilience of the community.
STOPMAX CONFERENCE
The STOPMAX Conference, sponsored by American Friends Service Committee, was held at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA: May 30 - June 1, 2008. Art for Justice joined with other contributors bringing art of inmate artists to the National STOPMAX Conference. The goal of the conference was to organize to abolish solitary confinement and torture in U.S. prisons. (www.afsc.org/stopmax)
Community College of Philadelphia's — Center for Law and Society
In February, 2008 CCP's Center for Law and Society presented TRANSFORMaNATION, an exhibit of works by 13 Art for Justice artists.
TRANSFORMaNATION
... is a call for individuals, families, communities, states, and ultimately the nation to examine and put in place effective, humane ways to improve public safety. We all must play a part to translate a vision for reducing crime and decriminalizing communities into concrete policy actions that improve people's lives.
..... is a call for offenders and ex-offenders to transform and become constructive members of their communities.
..... is a call for transformation in the Criminal Justice and Correction Systems across the United States. Law Enforcement and Corrections professionals must make use of best practices
..... is a call for policy makers and legislators to determine strategies and take actions that address the poverty, injustice and easy access to guns at the root of violence and crime.
top
|
