Charles Zafir Lawson

 

Charles Zafir Lawson is a self taught artist serving a life sentence at Graterford Prison. He began painting after another inmate, Herb Angus, encouraged him to pursue his talent. He selects subjects that will bring inspiration to himself and others. Charles' works celebrate the triumph of one man's spirit over injustice.

 

He paints to escape the despair of having no legal recourse to remedy the errors that led to his sentence of life imprisonment.

 

He paints to communicate the hope that our society will see inmates as persons who have worth and deserve to have justice.

 

Charles Lawson's art has been exhibited at the Philadelphia Art Museum, Ursinus University, Montgomery County Community College, Temple University, Pennsylvania State University (Berks), the Methodist Annual Convention, Pendel Hill and other Inmate Art Shows.

 

In 2001 & 2002 Charles donated paintings to Need in Deed, with proceeds benefitting inner city children. In 2002, his painting, "I Survive" won the Winsor & Newton Award from the Philadelphia Watercolor Society. Charles Lawson painted a mural in the Graterford Schoolhouse in 2002 at the request of the Literacy Teacher, Robert Bender.

 

Charles Lawson is the co-creator of the Crime Prevention Program, Road Map for Life©. His art and statements stimulate dialogue with at risk youth about the critical issues they face in their day-to-day lives. These workshops are available through Art for Justice.

 

Download file here for the latest information on Charles Lawson's appeal.