By AIC Clifford Mitts
I have been donating art to Visions of Hope since 2010. I donated before I really understood what Otino Waa Children’s Village was all about. Over the years, I have come to understand how much impact we have had on the lives of hundreds of children. In a country where receiving an education is rare, these children get instruction that enables them to become leaders in their community and country. The Lord has blessed them in ways they thought unimaginable. It gives them purpose that impacts all those around them. It’s rare that the children of Uganda get the opportunities that Otino Waa offers.
Before I came to prison, I did not do artwork, but then I received encouragement from others in a place that does not often offer encouragement. I discovered art became an opportunity to bless my family and other people. Artwork often has so much more meaning than the written word. I do the artwork many times in the day room, so I am available for others to stop by and comment about memories of their own in what I am drawing. I help take others to those memories and away from the thoughts about the environment they find themselves in.
I have become a much better communicator within these interactions. Art has kept me from becoming institutionalized, because I draw places I like and animals I would like to conserve. Sometimes, when I draw places I have been and miss so much, I can hear the sounds, smell the aromas and taste the salt air where I grew up. Artwork takes me out of prison and back to places that can so easily become lost in long term incarceration.
Artwork has given me the opportunity to become more social with others. I made the decision years ago to become part of the solution instead of being part of the problem. Again, I have been able to accomplish that through artwork. I worked in prison as a Special Ed tutor and was able to reach others that have been given up on. These adult students have had roadblocks keeping them from academic or even life skills. They really appreciated my patience and understanding I had for them. Many times, I ended up being their counselor or mentor to help them with things that triggered them. My communication skills have soared because of these interactions.
People around me appreciate who I have become. I now donate artwork to just causes and have been able to bless others with my talents and social skills I have learned because of art. I am so thankful for the opportunities given by the grace of God, and for Visions of Hope allowing me to change how the world views me. The Otino Waa children have experienced unspeakable things in their lives. Through my art, I can make a difference and help provide hope for a future.
REMEMBER – You can be part of Clifford’s story. Our promise to all AIC artists is that 100% of all art sales goes directly to Otino Waa Children’s Village, Uganda. GO HERE to start.