Featured Story
Shawn, 36
I put out presents for my parents too with all three of our names on them. When everyone went to sleep that night, I set up the plastic tree with everyone’s presents underneath. My brothers woke up the next morning to their presents and I was the only one who didn’t have one. But that wasn’t true. My mother came out and my brothers thanked her. She looked at me and whispered “Thank you” and for me, that was my present, seeing everyone happy.
Darwin’s Gallery
I find art itself to be inspiring and self-expressive; magical in such a way as to draw or paint myself into any imaginary setting… A quiet peaceful place to breathe, to meditate, to be still… to marvel at the reflection given by the water. To watch the sunset and sunrise.
Jeffrey’s Gallery
I want to be a productive member of society, not one that brings destruction. I’m putting this into practice. I am working to help people in the outside world through my art because I want to make amends to all those I have hurt.
Shawnda, 43
I became addicted because it made me comfortable in my own skin.
Ronald, 48
No matter how others may look down upon me because of my mistakes that put me in prison, they can never take this memory away from me. Trophies and medals become old and tarnished but love never loses its shine!
Pedro, 32
You can choose to learn in here or not. In the beginning I chose not to care, but as I got older and saw what prison was becoming, I started seeing the light. Not only for my sanity, but for my family and my daughter.
Jocelyn, 32
I look forward to making a name for myself as an African American transgender artist.
Sarah, 39
I believe that sometimes it takes a true friend to show us that we are special and even behind walls we deserve to be happy and loved.
Paul, 42
The power of gentleness, especially amid the tough exteriors of prisoners, is not to be underestimated.
Terence, 47
My education has given me the clarity and understanding of how to be accountable. It’s like I have the answers to the test. The test of life. I’m a work in progress which started when I enrolled in the Hudson Link- Mercy College. Today I can say that I don’t hate myself anymore. I’ve even started to learn to like myself and maybe one day I’ll learn to love myself too.
Trell, 31
I took enough time in between to think that in this world, when it’s all said and done it’s just you, which is all I ever really needed.