Mass Incarceration

A Prison Art Community On the Power of an Annual Exhibition in Michigan to Support More Than 700 Incarcerated Artists — Colossal




Art

#Prison Creative Arts Project
#prisons
#social justice

January 31, 2023

Grace Ebert

A painting of a man sitting in a reflective pool with broken steel bars in the foreground

“Self Portrait: Free Inside” by Jamal Biggs

As abolitionists and activists combat to finish mass incarceration and the horrifying situations of life in U.S. prisons, people and organizations have taken it upon themselves to assist these trapped within the unjust system. The Prison Creative Arts Project has been endeavor such work for many years, bringing its group on the College of Michigan along with these immediately affected by the carceral system by way of workshops, studying alternatives, and an annual exhibition.

Artwork was an out-of-body expertise as a result of if you’re in that sort of setting, there’s often a whole lot of violence or only a bunch of unhappy stuff. Artwork was a pathway to freedom on the skin.—Josh Herrera

In this conversation, Colossal managing editor Grace Ebert speaks with two previously incarcerated artists, Johnny Van Patten and Josh Herrera, and college director Nora Krinitsky about how artistic practices perform whereas incarcerated, why exhibiting and promoting work is crucial to the method, and what the humanity of artwork means in a system constructed on dehumanization.

Read the interview.

 

A painting of a fence in a green landscape

“Fence” by Kenneth Gourlay, a member of the Linkage Undertaking

A photo of a woman taking a photo of art on the wall of an exhibition

The 2022 exhibition ‘Shared Humanity.’ Picture by Nathan Kennedy

#Prison Creative Arts Project
#prisons
#social justice

 

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Tha Bosslady

CREEDD (Creative Resilient Empowered Entrepreneurs and Diversified Dreamers) is a dynamic and purpose-driven platform that I founded with a deep commitment to empowering individuals facing adversity. It serves as a sanctuary where people can find solace, support, and valuable resources to navigate life's challenges while uncovering their true potential. My personal journey of enduring loss, tragedy, and life's complexities propelled me to establish CREEDD with a profound understanding of the human spirit's resilience. Having faced the heart-wrenching loss of my daughter to gun violence, my stepdaughter's survival after losing an eye to domestic violence, and witnessing my only biological son receiving a life sentence for a nonviolent drug crime, I am no stranger to life's darkest moments. In addition to my own struggles, I experienced health challenges that led me to undergo a tracheotomy. The most devastating blow came when my stepdaughter and granddaughter tragically lost their lives in a horrific car accident. Yet, it is precisely through these trials that I gained invaluable insights and unwavering determination to inspire others. CREEDD is more than a community; it's a lifeline for those seeking hope, inspiration, and empowerment. By sharing my personal story and the lessons learned, I aspire to ignite a spark of resilience within every member, encouraging them to rise above their challenges and embrace their unique journeys. At CREEDD, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling. It is through these stories that we connect with others who have endured similar struggles, creating an unbreakable bond of understanding and support. Our platform fosters an environment of empowerment, providing resources, educational content, and opportunities for personal growth. Our ultimate goal is to leave a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those who join CREEDD. We envision a ripple effect of change, where individuals find the courage to rewrite their narratives, rediscover their purpose, and lead lives filled with resilience and fulfillment. Together, we form a community of diverse dreamers, each on their unique path of transformation. At CREEDD, we embrace growth, uplift one another, and become beacons of hope. Join us on this transformative journey and witness the power of unity, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of living life on purpose, no matter the adversities we face.

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