Art for Justice
2011 Annual Report
Inside and Outside Artists
Working for Transformative Change
In the Criminal Justice and Correction Systems
P.O. Box 526, Harleysville, PA 19438
www.artforjustice.org
215-234-8145
Art for Justice
Annual Report 2011
The mission of Art for Justice is to support and exhibit inmate art to promote dialogue
on ways to: prevent crime, reduce levels of incarceration and improve the criminal
justice system.
The overarching goals of the organization are:
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To exhibit inmate art work throughout diverse communities to bring public awareness
to critical issues within the criminal justice system and stimulate dialogue about ways
to prevent crime, reduce levels of incarceration and find effective, humane ways to
improve the Criminal Justice and Corrections Systems.
To improve public safety by encouraging offenders and ex-offenders to become
constructive members of their communities.
To present workshops for high risk youth to help them turn away from harmful
activities and learn to make choices that lead to success.
Art for Justice: Incarcerated Artists’ Creations from Within
Widener University’s Art Gallery
August 30 – October 15, 2011
Widener University’s Art Gallery hosted Art for Justice: Incarcerated Artists’ Creations from
Within, from August 30 – October 15, 2011. The exhibit was the 50th display of Art for Justice
works in a public venue. Widener Director of Collections, Rebecca Warda, said that the Art for
Justice exhibit reached the public with one of the highest attendances the Art Gallery has
experienced. The exhibit included 71 artworks by 16 artists.
Opening Reception
The Opening Reception for the Widener Exhibit was held on September 15, at 5pm in the Lobby
of the Student Center. Art for Justice gave a Spoken Word Presentation that included poems and
narratives by the artists and advocates. One of the readers was Cameron Holmes, Poet, Musician,
and Life Skills Coach whose successful career path follows 16 years of incarceration in
Pennsylvania. Another reader was Ivan Serrano, who spent 18 years incarcerated for a crime he
did not commit.
Art for Justice also organized a Presentation for the public that included guest speakers, Rep.
Ron Waters, the Chairman of Pennsylvania’s Legislative Black Caucus and William DiMascio,
the Ex. Director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society. Both Presenters detailed the pressing need
for positive change in the Criminal Justice and Corrections Systems in Pennsylvania.
Widener Law Professor, Len Sosnov, honored by Art for Justice
for his Legal Assistance for Wrongly Convicted
The Presentation concluded with Art for Justice honoring Len Sosnov, a Widener Law Professor
who has represented individuals on behalf of Centurion Ministries, a Princeton, New Jersey.based nonprofit organization dedicated to freeing innocent people sentenced to life imprisonment
or death.
In his 21 years as a criminal law professor on Widener’s Delaware campus, Sosnov’s work with
Centurion Ministries has brought about the release of four inmates who had long maintained
their innocence. Most recently, in 2011, after 15 years of litigation, he and co-counsel secured
the court-ordered release of a man held for more than 45 years. In two other cases, after 10 years
of court battles, inmates held more than two decades gained their freedom after new trials were
granted. Finally, in the fourth case, Sosnov found long-forgotten physical evidence in a 13-yearold rape case, and arranged for DNA testing. Test results showed sperm on the evidence did not
belong to the defendant, who was ultimately released from prison.
Art for Justice presented Sosnov with a painting titled “The Wall” The painting was created by
artist Daniel Gwynn, who is on death row in Pennsylvania. It depicts a lawyer reaching over a
prison wall, to make contact with an inmate.
“Being involved in freeing a long-imprisoned innocent person is always bittersweet but also
very gratifying,” he said. “This work defines why I chose to become a lawyer in the first place. I
really appreciate being honored with the gift of this painting.”
The Presentation concluded with Sosnov’s discussion about the systemic flaws in the criminal
justice system that lead to wrongful convictions.
Open Mic at Widener University
The Widener Exhibit concluded on October 15 with an Open Mic for students and community.
The event was organized by Gallery Assistant, Gabrielle Fairfax who successfully enticed seven
passionate individuals to stand and share their words with the assembled guests.
Boston University’s Journal Features Art for Justice
Boston University’s Journal, Witness, is published annually. In the April, 2011 edition of the
Journal, Witness featured an article about Art for Justice. Highlighted in the article were
artworks by Daniel Gwynn and George Lopez, who are on death row at Greene SCI. Both
Gwynn and Lopez claim actual innocence.
Logan Square by Charles Lawson
Looking for a Miracle by Charles Lawson
Art for Justice Crime Prevention Workshops
Road Map for Life Workshops©
The Road Map for Life Workshops were created by Art for Justice to help high risk youth learn
to turn away from destructive behaviors and make decisions that lead to success.
With the support of a Project Stream grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Art for
Justice presented the Road Map for Life Workshops at the After School Program for Youth at
Berean Presbyterian Church in North Philadelphia. The Workshops, which took place between
May 1 and June 18, 201,1 were presented to young people from neighborhoods where poverty,
violence and crime are pervasive realities.
Road Map for Life Process: The Road Map for Life Workshops integrates two modalities: a
life skills program that targeted improved social cognitive skills with an art program that
personalized and intensified the learning. In each session the youth were introduced to
inspirational artworks of inmate artists who transformed their lives through their immersion in
the arts. The artworks stimulated a dialogue with the youth as they learned to identify belief
systems that lead to destructive behaviors and explore choices that would build on individual
strengths and lead to constructive behaviors.
This was the first year of the After School Program at Berean Presbyterian Church. The Road
Map Workshops made adjustments to the structure of the program in order to meet the
challenges of the community being served. The Workshops functioned as mini-exhibits, with the
Director bringing between 3 to 8 paintings from the Art for Justice collection to share during
each session. Nineteen youth and thirteen community members attended the Workshops.
Pastor Evans and Berean’s Youth Director, Alison King, assisted in all the sessions. In addition,
Art for Justice Board Members, Gerry Givnish, Latasha Williams and Wellington Stubbs,
assisted with different sessions. Some of the sessions became highly engaged interactive
community events. The most dynamic of the sessions was Legal Realities during which Board
Member, Latasha Williams clarified for the youth the realities of the legal system.
During the Workshops the youth identified violence, guns, and the lack of food as issues they
face in their communities. Some of the participants said they did not trust adults and felt deserted
by them. One woman, a mother of two of the youth, attended all of the sessions and thought that
she benefited from the opportunity to talk with her children in the group setting about the severe
challenges they face in their neighborhood.
While the Road Map Workshops at the After School Program in North Philadelphia were a
worthwhile experience for the youth and community, Art for Justice has decided to return to a
more structured setting, for the next series of Workshops. In June of 2012 Art for Justice will
present the Workshops at the Montgomery County Youth Detention Center in Norristown, PA.
Trinity by Charles Lawson
Collaborations and Events
The Pennsylvania Prison Society
The Pennsylvania Prison Society has worked for social justice since its founding in 1787. The
organization’s Mission is to promote a “humane, just and restorative correctional system and a
rational approach to criminal justice”. Art for Justice invited William DiMascio Director of the
Prison Society, to speak during the Widener Exhibit in 2011.
Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia
Charles Lawson, co-founder of Art for Justice, continues to paint murals with the Mural Arts
Project’s Graterford Arts Program. Mr. Lawson contributed ideas about redemption,
transformation and art in the documentary film produced by Tony Grazia and Cindy Burnstein,
“Concrete, Steel and Paint”. The film which premiered in July, 2009 celebrates the work of the
Mural Arts Program, highlighting Director Jane Golden’s attempts to create a mural bringing
together Victims of Crime with Offenders at Graterford Prison.
Art for justice displayed new works by Charles Lawson during the Mural Arts Annual Inmate
Art Exhibit in February/March, 2011.
Justice & Mercy
Justice & Mercy is an organization that examines the effectiveness of programs, policies and
procedures in our criminal justice system and sheds light on the issues in matters of great
importance to the general public and the legislators. Art for Justice joins with Justice & Mercy
and other organizations to support Legislative initiatives that will reduced levels of incarceration
and improve the Criminal Justice System in Pennsylvania.
Latin American Cultural Exchange Organization
LACEO is a Latin American Organization located at Graterford SCI. On May 10, 2011 Art for
Justice attended the LACEO’s Annual Banquet which featured awards for community members
and inmates who have worked to help improve lives of individuals within institutions, reduce
recidivism and enhance public safety. The Honorable Ronald Waters, Chairman of the Black
Caucus for the Pennsylvania Legislature, spoke at the Banquet about the work necessary to make
positive change in the criminal justice and corrections systems in Pennsylvania.
..
The Prisoner by Daniel Gwynn
Criminal Justice Support for Wrongly Convicted Offenders
Art for Justice continues to assist offenders who are seeking legal support for wrongful
convictions or wrongful sentencing by bringing public awareness to this critical issue. Art for
Justice supports the Pennsylvania Innocence Project which began its work in May, 2009.
All assistance provided to individuals by Art for Justice is made through the voluntary efforts of
Art for Justice Board Members and Supporters. Board Member Gerry Givnish and Latasha
Williams are assisting individuals who claim wrongful conviction. Co-founder of Art for Justice,
Charles Lawson, and his family are seeking to obtain a new attorney to represent him. They will
be exploring ways to raise funds for this legal representation.
Art for Justice has joined with other organizations to work for legislative measures to be taken to
address individuals wrongly sentenced in Pennsylvania. Art for Justice wrote a profile of Charles
Lawson, detailing his artworks and his contributions to organizations in the Philadelphia area.
The profile also includes information about the legal quandary Mr. Lawson faces with a sentence
of Life in Prison (Mr. Lawson plea bargained to a crime he did not commit, and was later found
guilty of 3rd Degree Murder for a crime to which he pleaded self defense). The Sentencing
Project in Washington D.C. has included Charles Lawson’s profile in their national study of
Juvenile Lifers (due for publication in Spring, 2012).
Art for Justice Grants for 2011
Art for Justice was honored to receive a grant of $5000 from The Mordy Family Charitable Fund
in 2010. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts also gave a grant of $3000 to Art for Justice to
fund the Road Map for Life Workshops which took place during April and May, 2011 at the
After School Program at Berean Presbyterian Church in North Philadelphia.
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Portraits of Philadelphia
Art for Justice Co-Founder, Charles Lawson is completing work on a series of portraits of
Outside Artists. These artists are individuals who have worked with incarcerated artists and made
contributions to creating positive change in the Criminal Justice and Corrections Systems. Mr.
Lawson will use photographs of the artists taken by Art for Justice Director Ann Marie Kirk to
create the portraits. One of the artists featured in this project is Gerry Givnish, who taught art at
Graterford Prison for 7 years and is an Art for Justice Board Member. Another of the artists is
Jane Golden, Director of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program. The Mural Arts Program has
conducted Mural Workshops at Graterford since 2003. Art for Justice is exploring potential
venues for the Portraits of Philadelphia exhibit.
Art for Justice
Partial List of Art for Justice Exhibits
Art for Justice artworks have been displayed in over 48 venues since 1997.
1997
1998
1998, 1999, 2000
1999
1999, 2000
2000*
2001
2001, 2002
2002
2002 - 2005
2003 - 2011
2003*
2004*
2005*2006*
2005 - 2010
2006*
2007*
The Society of Friends Annual Convention
Berman Museum at Ursinus University
Temple University - African American Convention
Arts for Peace and Justice Exhibit, Harrisburg
Art League of Mt. Airy
Penndel Hill Society of Friends
Pennsylvania State University (Berks Campus)
Need In Deed, Heart Show Award - Work donated to charity
Philadelphia Watercolor Society - Winslow Newton Award
Philadelphia Museum of Art - Community Arts Exhibit
Thomas Elkin’s House: Mural Arts Inmate Art Exhibit
Swarthmore Presbyterian Church
White Dog Café in Philadelphia
Journey Home Community Enrichment Center in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Office of Public Defenders Annual Exhibit
Dr. Rhonda Mordy, Bryn Mar - Private Exhibit
Sanford Mennonite Church - Exhibit for Youth who completed the
Road Map for Life Workshops created by Art for Justice
2007
Arts Criminal Justice Conference sponsored by the Philadelphia Mural
Arts Program
2007*
Philadelphia Convention Center: Youth Conference sponsored by the
Greater Philadelphia Federation of Settlements
2008*
Community College of Philadelphia: TRANSFORMaNation exhibit
2009*
Saint ASCAP’s Gallery in Baal Cindy – Exhibit & Spoken Word
2009* Mar., Oct.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City
2009
Villanova University: Mural by Art for Justice Artists, “Every Person has
Inherent Value and Worth” installed in Connelly Student Center at the
University.
2007 *2009*, 2010* New Life Youth and Family Services: Road Map for Life Exhibit
2010
“INSIDE/OUTSIDE”, Philadelphia City Hall - Art in City Hall.
2010*
University of Pennsylvania Law School: Roundtable Event on Visual Arts
and Legal Advocacy
2011
Berean Presbyterian Church in North Philadelphia
2011*
Widener University’s Art Gallery
* Curated by Ann Marie Kirk
Art for Justice
Statement of Revenue and Expenses
For Year Ending Dec. 31, 2010
Revenue:
Grants
Donations
Usage Fees
Prints
Total Revenue
7,189.00
705.00
400.00
800.00
$9,094.00
Expenses:
Developing
Postage
Copies
Phone
Office Supplies
Web
Meetings
Profile Printing
Framing
Consulting
Supplies & Materials
Travel
Brochures
G Reid Defense Fund
Total Expenses
137.76
234.70
34.29
142.29
4.22
277.22
82.28
129.16
600.00
150.00
1,262.19
1,555.97
205.09
120.00
$4,935.17
Excess of Revenue
over Expenses
$4,158.83
Beg Fund Balances
End Fund Balances
$176.37
$4,335.20
*Art for Justice Director worked 1540 hours in 2010.
*300+ volunteer hours by Board members and supporters.
*In kind donations from Shelter Design Inc. for office and web support.
Art for Justice
Board Members
Gerry Givnish
Founder and Past Director of the Painted Bride Arts Center in Philadelphia
Past Volunteer Art Teacher at Graterford Prison
Board President
Latasha C. Williams, MS
Pennsylvania Legislative Research Analyst
Vice President
Ann Marie Kirk
Executive Director of Art for Justice, Inc.
Treasurer
Rachael Kirk Neff, LSW
Vice President of Second Chances, Inc
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dr. Rhonda LaHue-Mordy
Physician and past Medical Director of the Hospice Program
at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia
Dr. Terrence Alladin
Executive Director of the Legislative Policy & Research Office
with the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Dennis J. Crosson
Private Detective
Maria Schneider
Fine Artist
Robert Bullock
Founder and Director of Coalition Ingenu
Artistic Consultant
Charles H. Lawson - CA-0187
Co-Founder of Art for Justice
P.O. Box 526, Harleysville, PA 19438
www.artforjustice.org
215-234-8145
Art for Justice is a 501c3 not for profit organization.
All Proceeds from the sale of Art for Justice limited edition prints benefit the
Road Map for Life Workshops for Youth.