Forward by Dale Russell
To remain in the celebration of over a decade of art from prison, and our privilege of knowing these important people, we have more personal, redemptive stories.
Redemption; noun; The act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake; deliverance; rescue; exchanging your past for a different future.
Being identified as an offender or inmate does not have to permanently label your life. Many times, we are quick to attach labels on prisoners, keeping them at a safe distance with our thoughts and words. There must be consideration for change, always looking for the redemption elements.
We are so blessed to know these artists and see them at ease to share their lives with us. They are driven by purpose that becomes the support of their Otino Waa kids and the desire to raise them up as leaders in Uganda.
When one understands the significance of redemption, their story begins to show a renewed sense of peace and satisfaction. They are able to move forward with newfound freedom.
This is what God wants us to experience every day. Because of redemption, we can live in peace knowing that,
“…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Redemption
by Cliff Mitts
I’ve been doing artwork for many years in prison. When I started, I had no idea how it would affect me or anybody else. I only looked at it as a challenge to teach myself new skills. I struggled for quite a while to get things to look right.
In time, others started to ask me to draw cards for them. I could see there was a chance I could learn to excel in this. I could draw something that had special meaning to the person and write a heartfelt message inside that wasn’t ‘canned’ like a card that I’d bought. The personal effort and the heart put into the artwork and message made a huge difference! These cards seemed to freshen up a strained relationship caused by incarceration. Buying a card says, “I’m thinking about you.” Drawing a card says so much more. For inmates and their families artwork has plenty of redeeming qualities.
As I got more praise about my artwork I continued to get better and better. For some time I couldn’t accept compliments because of the shame and guilt I felt. I began to accept compliments and even criticism as long as it was objective. And I felt pride in something. I could create something that touches the heart. I could get value from my accomplishments. It’s difficult to feel valued in prison.
As I felt more value, I was able to see a bigger picture. I began developing a better understanding beyond my own feelings and needs. I became a better listener and was able to share more sound advice to others. I became known as someone that cares.
Redemption has a lot to do with how a person can change to become more responsible and productive neighbor in the community. When you ask, “Who do you want this person to be when he becomes your neighbor?,” It’s easy to take the time to pick them up instead of continuing to hold them down. Allow them to leave here with more value than they came in with. When they depart prison knowing they likely won’t be hired, they won’t pursue work. When they believe disability is their only choice, they only pursue disability benefits. If their neighbors are forewarned about their presence, don’t expect either to be good neighbors.
Over the last ten years, Visions of Hope has provided me an avenue to feel better about myself and help children in Uganda. This bond made from unwanted prisoners and terrorized children, is something that should be spotlighted in all communities. People see artwork and learn how they too can make a difference for children on the other side of the world. Most programs we donate to do not allow for much of the donation to actually help the individuals in need. Organizations get overburdened with administrative costs. I am blessed to know all the art sales go to Otino-Waa. Redemption comes to me in many ways.
Redemption
by Richie Pierce
Throughout times in my life I undoubtedly made some of the biggest mistakes and bad decisions ever, but none greater than what led me to my downfall. When I first received my lengthy sentence from the courts, I remember thinking life was over for me. There was no way I could conceive accomplishing anything at that point. I had hit the lowest of lows. The future? I honestly felt that I did not have one. In prison I was just going through the days without any sense of purpose. Just a man drifting through time simply existing.
Slowly, I began to realize that life wasn’t over for me.
Up until then nothing good had come out of my life. But I now have all the tools to change that. Over time I began to take a real and honest look at myself, my situation, and my life. Slowly, I began to realize that life wasn’t over for me.
Life was just beginning again if I was willing to make some serious and necessary changes. I began to look at my incarceration as a challenge. Did I have what it would take for me to reinvent myself and to make something positive come out of a negative situation? Could I do away with my old self-destructive thinking process and reckless behavior? Could I become a person that would garner respect amongst his peers and become a son a mother could be proud of?
I’ve learned that not all failures are fatal
The main difference in my life now is I’ve learned how to grow up. Never in my life did I think I’d get my G.E.D. and wow, was I wrong. It took me 11 yrs. to get it done, but I never gave up. I made a promise to my family I would do it, but mainly I owed it to myself. I’ve been a teacher’s aid in Special Education for 10 yrs. now, and it’s been the greatest job so far. So yes, I’ve learned that not all failures are fatal, though the mistakes I made were so damaging and disastrous that I left behind complete devastation. The wreckage from my past has caused a lot of broken hearts, broken dreams, and broken people. Since then they’ve found peace.
With time and a whole lot of determination I set down the path of change. And with change came growth, and with growth came a whole new outlook on life. A new clear sense of what was important in life and the ability to appreciate what life really had to offer came to light. While guys around me were still glorifying their misdeeds, reputations, and reckless lifestyles, I was looking ahead. Instead of spending time talking about who I used to be, I concentrated on who I wanted to be and striving to become. One of the first things I decided to do was to let go of the past. My past has no room in the future. There’s no right way to do wrong.
When I first heard of Visions of Hope and the Otino Waa art project, I knew it was my calling to continue to help others and enhance my success for a better life ahead. So for me, this is all about redemption, a second chance at life or even a release date. Art is something I’ve been doing all my life. I hope I can help other people grow through it and see freedom within the purpose.
Redemption? Make my next move be my best one and don’t associate with those making nonsense moves. Make this time work for me, and not against me! Staying focused, passionate, and purposeful will keep me motivated. That keeps my heart in place for others to see.
Redemption
by Jeff LaFontaine
When one has a troubled past, it is a constant burden of self-doubt, anxiety and fear lying just under the surface of who you are trying to become. It is always questioning who you are and if your place in this world has any real meaning.
First, I become aware and believed the past doesn’t have to define me. I trust God wants to forgive and set me free from all the burdens. Then I am able to release all the negative, self-defeating thoughts that question my worth.
Hope can remain in all of us.
Hope is an amazing word. In this little word are the dreams and imaginations of billions of people. For some it’s striving for a better life for themselves, their families, friends, neighbors and nation. It’s the hope of discovery. For others it’s an eternal hope in a Creator and Almighty, who loves us completely and continues to believe in us in spite of our failures. Who else has promised a life far superior than this one if we would just have a little faith? It doesn’t matter who we are, what we are or where we are. Hope can remain in all of us.
When we first got involved with Visions of Hope, I thought the time spent there would make me a better artist by interacting and observing the talents of others. I could learn new techniques and try out new art mediums. What I’ve discovered. is I’m not just a better artist, but a better person. A person who can see the vision- that it only takes a little effort to make a large difference. And the more time I spend here, the clearer that vision becomes.
The hope I continue to have is this: that my art inspires action.
Art has a way of showing us new perspectives and open our eyes to ideas that are transformative. Visions of Hope accomplishes this every day by transforming lives and instilling hope in others. Webster’s lists synonyms for hope as: Assured, Cheerful, Content, Inspired, Open-minded, Optimistic, and Upbeat. I don’t think I could have selected seven more perfect words to describe the men and women who lend their time, their talents, and their tears to the Vision of Hope movement. The have brought a simple idea to life, nurtured and carried it forward to what it has become today.
The hope I continue to have is this: that my art inspires action. That might mean you making a donation, purchasing art or lending a helping hand. I hope you are able to see this vision too, and see how a little effort makes a large difference in someone else.
When I think of redemption, I think of the permission God grants us to let go. Let go of the past, let go of the shame, the guilt and fear of what you once were. It then allows you to fill the void with the love and peace and joy our Creator holds out to us all. Trusting on this new foundation, a new life and better days awaits me and everyone my life touches. It’s my hope the art I share expresses this irrefutable truth, that a redeemed life is great life, a life worth living.
Now it is your turn. There is a way for YOU to be part of both of these stories.
Visions of Hope provides art supplies to all contributing art groups. SRCI has made use of these supplies to create what you see above. The annual budget for all groups is $3000. We will always fulfill our promises, but this is only possible with your help. Please consider how you can be part of the redemption story by providing funds for art supplies!