by various AIC Artists
For almost 12 years dedicated artists inside prison have created art to serve as a fundraiser for the children of Otino Waa Children’s Village, Uganda. The amazing aspects are numerous.
-Over 2900 digitized files of the art. Ready to recycle into various representations.
-Over 90 artists in five prisons contributing art.
-Observing very real-life changes on two sides of the world.
-Enjoying what only God could create!
–$107,275.00 in art sales, of which 100% has been sent to Otino Waa. (One of Visions of Hope’s promises to the inmates.)
What triggers an emotion? Your environment or circumstance that you find yourself in? People you meet? Right now, are you at peace? Take time to appreciate this moment. Take a breath and smile. Then…….. the monkey on your back might feel like an old friend.
I wrote this to myself while looking at this boy carrying his monkey, walking through a jungle, barefoot, with bugs, snakes, and other hidden, uncomfortable moments. (At least for me.) He’s appreciating this particular moment.
What might the monkey be? Friend. Joyous memory. Hope for tomorrow. Confidence of who you are with God?
The painting represents me being on a path. The path is a strong, stone construction and I see how important that foundation is. I see the many trees as multiple spiritual experiences, with each experience as individual colors. There are just as many emotions with these. At some point I can see the end and appreciate all the spiritual aspects of my journey. This one will end at some point, but I will be ready, and appreciate the next one.
It has taken over four years of trial and error to get to where I now feel comfortable working with oil pastels. My style of art is very colorful. I’ve been doing it for 12 years. It just speaks to me, especially in this prison environment, which lacks color. Color brings joy and happiness to my little world, which I try to share with others such as this piece. I hope this makes people think about how these great animals are so close to being wiped out. Prison allows time to think about such things.
NEXT STEPS?
Visions of Hope also promises to send quality art supplies to each of the organized prison artist groups. This can only be done with the help of dedicated donors like you. Ever considered artists as an investment?