The work of Art for Justice can be traced to March, 1995 when I read a notice in a local newspaper advertising an art show, proceeds to benefit Perkiomen Valley High School. Inmates from Graterford Prison, a Maximum Security State Institution located about two miles from the school were contributing their artworks to the exhibit.

One of the artworks displayed in the newspaper was exceptional. The painting of a Rwandan woman burying her infant son was exquisitely rendered and portrayed a profound truth: the sorrow experienced by a woman when her infant dies. The artist, Charles Lawson, had a look of joy on his face that contradicted his circumstances.

Charles Herbert Lawson

I attended the exhibit and bought Charles Lawson's painting, The Smile of Gratitude. After I wrote to Charles Lawson to thank him for the artwork, he wrote back and a friendship began. Since 1997 I have provided funds for educational materials and art supplies that are allowed within the Institution. I also engaged in his legal struggle for justice.

Several years ago I told Charles (Zafir) that his work could be more than a pretty picture to hang on an individual wall.

His work, and the work of other inmates, could be used to promote Social Justice, to give back to their communities something of value that in some small measure may atone for the wrongs that were done. From the inmate who is seeking redemption for his crimes, to the wrongly incarcerated individual, the artworks can reveal to society the humanity locked away. Assembling the works for exhibit also gives greater meaning and power to the work, delivering a message to all the people who see it. Thus began the work of Art for Justice.

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George Ivan Lopez

In the waiting room at Graterford, in the prison newsletter, "Graterfriends", I read "Death Row Comics," created by Richard Young and George Lopez, both on death row. Their comic series usually had a religious theme featuring Amil and Ernie, who are innocent. I initially wrote to George Lopez when he was on a 30 day countdown to execution in 1999. George submitted an Appeal which led to a stay of execution.

My only communication is through letters. He tells me in anguishing detail of his life on death row and his legal struggles. Friendship, kindness, and assistance with copying legal papers are what I offer George. George's artworks are a part of our correspondences.

George Lopez is on death row at SCI Greene in Waynesburg, PA. His execution has been scheduled twice, the last time in 2004 when another stay was granted. George, who claims innocence, obtained new attorneys who discovered information so strong and convincing that the PA Courts granted him a hearing in October 2005. The attorneys were successful in their arguments and the PA Courts in December, 2007 granted George Lopez a new Evidentiary Hearing.

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