By Dale Russell
In prison it can feel as though nothing ever changes. When it does, it is still completely out of your hands. That feeling of being without control wears on a person. The combination of sameness and intermittent tragedy breeds a sense of subtle, but pervasive despair. But something as small as a photo or a piece of art in an unexpected place, gives joy to a soul adrift and a moment of brightness that can change the course of a day, a week, or a lifetime. Each and everything made to brighten the world carries a ripple effect, touching lives in places we might never imagine.
The personal ripple effects from the artists at Snake River Correctional Institution (SRCI) has the power of generating hope and change in others for a better world. Like ripples radiating across the surface of a pond, kindness is powerful and has far-reaching, results that bring about a tremendous sense of joy.
This is also grace in action: by healing yourself, you heal your fellow humans and change the world. It does not let an artist sit and contemplate a tragic past. It leads them to proclaim what has changed—and how the rest of us can be a part.
The first pieces of art came out of SRCI in 2009. What was supposed to be a quick report on the lives of orphans in Uganda, became life altering for so many and a story only God could come up with. The Adults in Custody (AIC) saw this as a unique opportunity. Their artistic talents, combined with the help of volunteers, became a fund-raising project to assist the orphans of Otino Waa Children’s Village, Uganda (OTW). It was a wild experiment that had never been done before. Within a few short weeks funds were sent to OTW through the sales of art.
The promise from Visions of Hope (VOH) is to dedicate 100% of the sale of original art to Otino Waa Children’s Village, Uganda. To date over $107,000 has been sent.
QUESTIONS TO AIC ARTISTS
Q: Does art help define you?
“Before my involvement with this group, my life was very self-centered. Art allows me to trade that for purpose. In this case I see proof that I can change lives in Uganda as my art sells and the funds go there. That’s quite amazing and life changing for me.”
Q: What are the best aspects of being in this group?
“I love the fact that we are a team – no, make that family. This room is neutral and safe. I can allow constructive criticism and give the same without the nonsense that takes place in the hallway outside. I can gain confidence in the process of accepting guidance with my art.”
Q: What message do you hope those on the outside gain from this group?
“We want the community outside to know there are good people in here. There are very creative people wanting to do good things. There are people who aren’t what they once were. There are so many who are not like what you see on TV. It is sad to think about how I might be portrayed without my art.”
Q: Is there redemption in creating art?
“Everything I do now is to help others and make me a better person. Before this project I had huge anger problems. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t like what I saw. Now, I smile too much and my cheeks hurt! I don’t feel like I’m in prison. My body is here, but my mind is free. I was so wrong in my earlier years. I want to prove I am much more and helping the Otino Waa kids is the most freeing thing I have ever done.”
How do you fit into this?
Here are some easy options;
- When COVID lockdowns go away come with us to a prison visit and meet the artists. Yes, it can be done! Meet those you just read about. Drop us a line to put you on a list.
- Purchase art. It starts a ripple effect with you as you re-tell the story of your art piece hanging in your home. Remember, 100% of your purchase goes to OTW.
- Contribute to art supplies. As the AIC’s organize art groups, our promise is to provide quality supplies to create quality art. Each group has an annual budget and, as a greoup, choose their own supplies.