Inspiring HOPE Art Challenge Turns Former
Current And Former Inmates Into Artists
By: Priscilla Frank
Source: Huffington
Post
Art is
within anyone. Art is within prison inmates. An organization known as 1HeartArt works to raise money for former inmates engaging in art along
with students whose parents are in prison. They also provide a way for people
to connect with the artists in the program through a penpal system. Recently, the organization set up poles for the masses to vote amongst the
artwork of fourteen current or former inmates, rewarding select sums of money
to the first, second, and third place winners. Art is the last thing one may
think about when the image of prison or prisoners for that matter appears in
their head. However, it does exist, and this organization provides such
individuals with an outlet for expression and creation, thus feeding their
motivation to “create change” (Frank, 1). It provides possibilities for desires
to be actualized, not only by the creation and displaying of art to the world,
but also through the relationships established in the penpal program, with the
hope of inflicting change and reducing the chances of recidivism.
Art
is not an exclusive privilege attained by select individuals. Art is rather a
diverse perception of the world. It cannot be avoided or singled out, as it is
everywhere, at every moment, in everyone; although it can often be restricted
and therefore unseen. This organization allows the art locked behind bars to
become visible, as its natural state has meant for it to be. This is not a
way of forgiving or forgetting the heinous acts of many prisoners, allowing
them to freely pursue what they please. It is rather a method of exposing the
expression within them, often a rarity. Art is not only within the
“good”. Art is within “bad”, pain, confusion, the outlawed, dejected, angry,
violent. All is not positive. It is the endless diversity of artistic origins
rather, that conjoin to form this “all”, which is not "good", not "bad".
Mariam, this was overall a wonderful post. Your introduction provided a captivating grabber, which made me want to continue reading your post. Your vocabulary use was exceptional throughout your post and your concluding paragraph which included your opinion was noteworthy. I also liked the images provided as they were a factor in keeping hold of my interest. Fantastic job, Mojonik!(:
ReplyDeleteThanks. I am glad I could captivate you.
DeleteMariam, this is such an amazing and well written blog post. Your use of vocabulary is like no other and, and the choice of topic is both appropriate and stays true to your interests. Overall an interesting and enlightening read.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThank you! I am glad I instill hope in anything, for that matter, in such a hopeless world.
ReplyDeleteThis post was wonderful Mariam! It is true that art is not restricted to some types of people. All people should be able to express themselves in art and this organization gives prisoners the right to do so also. This was a creative article to talk about and I am glad that I saw this post! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour writing is truly wonderful! You never fail to amaze me with your choice of words and detailed depictions of what you have in mind. I have always loved your writing style. As for the topic, art is my favorite subject. I could not agree morr for what you have written. Fantastic job, Mariam!
ReplyDeleteIt is almost always refreshing to read a news blog that does not pertain to war or disease or any related, seemingly hopeless news. Your writing is littered with high vocabulary, to the point where I actually came across a word, the definition of which was beyond me. "Recidivism" is to repeat an act even after one has been punished or trained not to do so. Though most readers of your work are not outlaws, your writing still retains an ability to relate to the audience. I particularly enjoyed your unique definition of art, which was not at all pressing. It instead broadened my perception of art without actively working to confuse me. Your acknowledgement and refutation of multiple counterarguments that may have arisen within readers' minds added to the effortless flow and clarity within your writing.
ReplyDelete