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Written By Incarcerated - Advancing Social Justice

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AWAKENINGS

January 24, 2023 By San Quentin News

Kevin Robinson tells the true story of his life in a graphic novel by Orlando Smith ....AWAKENING IF YOU'D LIKE TO SEE THE WHOLE EDITION, CLICK HERE! … [Read More...]

AAPI EXPRESSIONS

January 23, 2023 By San Quentin News

To members of San Quentin’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander populations, art is not only a means of creative expression, but also a tethered connection to their community and a celebration of healing from violence. A regular feature of the prison’s annual Day of Peace is the origami table (above), where residents of diverse backgrounds … [Read More...]

TOWER ART REFLECTIONS

January 23, 2023 By San Quentin News

The Tower Book was conceived by book artist Beth Thielen in collaboration with San Quentin artists and women at the California Rehabilitation Center. Its accordion-style pages, built to fit inside a model prison tower, feature mugshot-style images of the incarcerated, photos capturing not the person’s worst moments, but rather their greatest … [Read More...]

REMEMBERING RONNIE GOODMAN

January 23, 2023 By San Quentin News

If one were to wake up in an animated prison world, it would be the immortalized world drawn by the late Ronnie Good man. He drew almost every aspect of life at San Quentin, just as it was during the time he resided here. The average citizen in the world outside would never expect to find beauty and grace within one of the world’s most notorious … [Read More...]

HIDDEN MURAL

January 23, 2023 By San Quentin News

A hidden chamber in a shuttered section of San Quentin State Prison conceals its oldest mural, a 100-year-old depiction of Jesus of Nazareth and the twelve apostles at the Last Supper. The building housed San Quentin’s 28 female prisoners before its conversion to the prison hospital in 1933. It was shuttered in 1937. The 30-by-50-foot chamber was … [Read More...]

OVER THE YEARS

January 23, 2023 By San Quentin News

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true colors

January 23, 2023 By San Quentin News

kevin flannigan finds therapeutic release in his watercolor wonders The natural simplicity of life captivates the creative energies of Kevin Flannigan. He uses watercolors to set his mind at ease and create a calm, soothing reality. Nature is big with him. He painted a girl hugging a deer (right) in a forest with a purplish hue, amidst red … [Read More...]

STANLEY-BEY’S POINTILLISM AND Steampunk Styling

January 21, 2023 By San Quentin News

Mark Stanley-Bey has been creating art most of his life. He worked as an illustrator inker in Orange County before he was incarcerated. This is his first art contribution to Wall City magazine, though he previously showcased a drawing of a modified Studebaker on the back page of San Quentin News. Stanley-Bey’s art is inspired by the “steampunk” … [Read More...]

HEART OF DARKNESS

January 21, 2023 By San Quentin News

When 38-year-old Edgar Zarate Martinez picks up a pencil or a paintbrush, it’s his mother’s influence that he channels into his art. “I was raised by a single mother,” he said. “That’s why I find women to be inspirational — because of their strength and unbreakable spirits.” The visions he commits to paper and canvas are intended not only … [Read More...]

rising from the ASHES

January 21, 2023 By San Quentin News

erick maciel's canvas tells a story of redemption “I found that I could draw when I was in the seventh grade,” said incarcerated artist Erick Maciel. “I was able to draw portraits.” He never took any lessons or read any books; he just drew whenever he saw something he liked in pictures and magazines. He came to prison about five years ago, … [Read More...]

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT – Beached

January 21, 2023 By San Quentin News

Throughout historyprisoners have pursuedmyriad means of creativeexpression. Nearly twomillennia ago Paul theApostle spent his timein prison composingletters to Christians infar-off lands — letters thatremain powerfully relevantin the modern world. Among San Quentin’sincarcerated walk anumber of incrediblytalented artists who havefound true inner … [Read More...]

lasting impressions

January 21, 2023 By San Quentin News

Pat Maloney dedicated 40 years of his life to teaching and mentoring incarcerated artists at San Quentin State Prison before his retirement in 2019. Maloney was one of the founders of San Quentin’s Arts in Corrections program, a creative co-op sponsored by the nonprofit William James Association, a San Quentin arts benefactor since 1977. … [Read More...]

Great art does indeed come from great suffering

January 21, 2023 By Steve Brooks

The coronavirus pandemic has proven the age-old adage In this edition of Wall City magazine, we take a look at the connection between the arts and rehabilitation. We pay homage to some of the incarcerated artists who left their mark on the world. There are myriad art forms that spring forth like water from the faucet of the human soul. The … [Read More...]

HISTORIC MESS HALL MURALS

January 21, 2023 By San Quentin News

The walls of San Quentin’s chow halls are a fantastic display of history. Begun in 1953 by Alfredo Santos and two fellow prisoners, these twelve-foot-high murals document the early days of California’s statehood all the way through the second World War and the beginning of the space age. Contrary to popular myth, the murals were not painted with … [Read More...]

SQ News Around the world…

January 20, 2023 By San Quentin News Contributor

...and beyond! … [Read More...]

M I N I O N S I N V A S I O N

January 20, 2023 By Edwin Chavez

Jorge Cuevas breathes life into his Minionsthrough the ancient Japanese art of Origami News flash; San Quentin has been invaded by Minions! Resident Jorge Cuevas creates the lovable characters based on the popular movies as a pastime.  “During my incarceration I knew that I was going to do a lot of time” said Cuevas. “So I asked myself; … [Read More...]

When Anxiety Strikes by: Jessie Milo 

January 20, 2023 By San Quentin News Contributor

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Zoe Mullery, Watani Stiner start writing workshop for returning citizens

January 18, 2023 By San Quentin News

Creative writing teacher Zoe Mullery and former San Quentin News staffer Watani Stiner are teaming up to start a creative writing class. The class will meet on Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Canticle Farm community in Oakland.  The workshop is open to all formerly incarcerated writers, but space is limited. While all formerly … [Read More...]

Marin Shakespeare pays tribute to ‘the Bard’ with production of Richard III

January 18, 2023 By Anthony Manuel Caravalho

The lobby of San Quentin’s Garden Chapel was filled with Shakespearean costumes. The actors were from San Quentin’s Shakespeare program and the Marin Shakespeare Company.  “This is therapy, this is humanity — in prison, people, we wear masks. In this program, I take it off and exercise hidden talents I didn’t know I have,” said incarcerated … [Read More...]

2023 Calendar

December 11, 2022 By San Quentin News

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UNCOMMON SENSE By Jessie Milo

December 11, 2022 By San Quentin News Contributor

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San Quentin’s heritage of HARM NY

December 6, 2022 By San Quentin News

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MAKING TRACKS: Grammy winning rap artist Lecrae produces CCWF prisoner’s original hip-hop track

December 6, 2022 By Steve Brooks

A woman incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla is the first female to record and release an original hip hop track from inside a prison.  Carmela Tautinoga Mose, a.k.a. GOOD, won Securus Technologies’ first ever “Original Hip-Hop Track Contest” with her original song “I Think,” Newsy reported in … [Read More...]

Musical men in blues

December 6, 2022 By Joshua Strange

San Quentin has a rich history of talented musicians performing inside its walls. The list includes BB King, Johnny Cash, Santana, Metallica, Michael Franti, Common and many more.  Yet the majority of San Quentin’s musicians never had a visitor’s pass. They wore blues, performing for friends on the yard or in worship bands. Whatever … [Read More...]

Female prisoners heal through art

December 6, 2022 By Harry C. Goodall Jr.

Mural project allows womento process abuse, trauma Incarcerated women in a South Carolina prison are learning to heal by using art to process past traumas, a recent story reports.  Inside the Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood visiting room, a mural of butterflies has been painted on the wall. The mural tells the story of women … [Read More...]

Runa Ray partners with SQ artists

December 6, 2022 By Juan Haines

A fashion designer/environmentalist returned to San Quentin in order to include the prison’s incarcerated population in the design of a gigantic flag to be displayed at the United Nations.  “I’m extremely honored to be on these grounds of San Quentin,” said Runa Ray at the Aug. 15 event aimed at bringing attention to climate change, justice … [Read More...]

North Carolina art show supports the incarcerated

December 6, 2022 By George-Mesro Coles-El

The artistic voices of the incarcerated were displayed in North Carolina recently, giving thanks to community organizations that support and advocate for prisoners’ successful reentry into society, according to The Raleigh ( N.C.) News and Observer.  An exhibit called “Something to Say” featured art from men in Orange Correctional Center, a … [Read More...]

David Roybal’s timeless pin-up style creations say it all

November 14, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

SQNews believes art is a universal language, a tool to explore our creativity and inner-self in the quest for betterment and understanding. For some of the artists we have featured, art is, even more, personal — it is part of their family tree. San Quentin resident David Roybal, 63, exemplifies this. As a little kid, he witnessed his late … [Read More...]

Isom finds therapeutic relief at the tip of his brush

November 14, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

Art contains hidden treasures. For some, this treasure is the use of their art as the raft to navigate the deep, raging rivers of their past in the quest for internal healing and reconciliation. Jeffrey A. Isom is uniquely willing to open up and share such hidden treasures and expose his vulnerability. Isom, 58, creates art … [Read More...]

SQ & Marin Shakespeare Co. offers Henry IV performance

November 12, 2022 By Joshua Strange

A prison chapel transformed itself into a theater for a Shakespearean play when about two dozen incarcerated men teamed up with Marin Shakespeare Company directors to perform Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2. As the audience of about 50 people, including free people from the local SF Bay Area, settled into their seats in San Quentin’s Garden Chapel, … [Read More...]

Documentarian returns to San Quentin

November 8, 2022 By Steve Brooks

Former San Quentin State Prison resident and Bay Area native, Adamu Chan, has created a documentary film about the SQ Covid-19 outbreak. The film, entitled What These Walls Won’t Hold, is about 40 minutes long and details the relationships, struggles, and connections that transcended prison walls during the deadly outbreak. “This film tracks … [Read More...]

Paul Stauffer finds purpose, release in his paintbrush

October 11, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

“I paint and I write because it gives me purpose,” said San Quentin resident Paul Stauffer. “It’s a release from tension, and it helps me to release an excess amount of imagination.”  He says he’s appreciative of the art room at San Quentin, where he has the chance to socialize and collaborate with other artists.  Stauffer, 65, … [Read More...]

Native artist’s generational pain poured out on canvas

October 11, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

“Spiritually and mentally, art helps me escape from prison,” said Joseph “Jo-Joe” Salazar. “It is medicine to me. It is beautiful that my creator gifted me with this talent.”  Salazar plays the guitar, harmonica, and drums — abilities, he says, that have kept him going during his incarceration. Art is deeper than just passing time, Salazar … [Read More...]

SQ residents observe annual Day of Peace

October 5, 2022 By Juan Haines

After 15 years, the event’s original legacy is in danger of being forgotten  In 2006, Blacks and Mexicans rioted on San Quentin’s Lower Yard.  As the chaos unfolded, Tung Nguyen and other members of a self-help group, TRUST, were leading a group of about 50 civilian volunteers to a Black History event on the Yard. When he noticed … [Read More...]

THINK ‘BOUT IT By Jessie Milo

September 14, 2022 By San Quentin News Contributor

This comic was submitted by artist Jessie Milo of CSP-Corcoran. … [Read More...]

THE LOWER YARD MISSES HER ATHLETES

September 14, 2022 By San Quentin News

Since 2020, San Quentin’s Lower Yard has been transformed into a veritable ghost town due to multiple quarantine lockdowns, on-again-off-again programming, and the day-to-day uncertainty of the Covid era. Bereft of the enthusiasm and spirited energy of its dedicated runners, ballers and fitness buffs, the Yard begins to exude a quiet feeling of … [Read More...]

Salvadorian artist’s patriotism flows in shades of blue

September 14, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

Juan C. Sanchez, 28, uses blue ink to sketch portraits, classic cars and roses, on handkerchiefs.  “I really don’t remember when I started drawing. I know that I started doodling when I was in sixth grade— my thing was cartoons,” Sanchez said.  He said he became an artist in order to express what he was thinking.  While in high … [Read More...]

Marin Shakespeare’s ‘Losdini’ rises again — in the community

September 13, 2022 By Jerry Maleek Gearin

The pandemic at San Quentin hindered the Marin Shakespeare Company’s classes, but Juan Meza prevailed and still pursued his passion for acting. Meza felt pain in his back and neck, his temperature and blood pressure were at very high levels, and he felt he was about to die, according to KQED. “There was a lot of fear, there was a lot of … [Read More...]

Ronald Gabriel’s Social Darwinism MASS INCARCERATION

September 13, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

The art of Ronald “Gabe” Gabriel is like a time capsule that collects souvenirs and relics; he shows us the wrinkles as we age. Each piece has its own identity, like a fingerprint, with scenes that unwrap. The 71-year-old San Quentin resident proudly displays his artwork all over the walls and ceiling of his West Block cell. Posters of Harley … [Read More...]

Mark Cadiz’s art honors San Quentin’s Covid deaths

August 27, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

San Quentin News continues to find some of the many hidden treasures within these ancient walls.  That includes artists who create based on their own style and imagination, bringing them out of the shadows of incarceration and giving life to their craft.  “After my fever broke, I found the pencils, papers, crayons and comic books my … [Read More...]

Spanning the years…Sketch artist Peter Bergne brings history to life 

August 27, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

At San Quentin, we discover artists who, prior to their incarceration, came from varying walks of life. Peter M. Bergne, a former illustrator, tool designer, and draftsman, draws animals, people, aircraft or whatever occurs to his far-ranging mind.  “When I first started to draw I became involved in the illustration of naval warships and … [Read More...]

Reggie Yates traces his African ancestry through his art

July 20, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

San Quentin resident Reginald Yates embraces his ancestral roots by reviving some of the old traits of African tribal art. Some may dismiss this as misguided attention to an extinct culture — but not Yates, who refuses to let this hidden treasure vanish.  “I just get a pleasure (out) of exposing this art to people who may never saw … [Read More...]

Erick Maciel sees inspiration everywhere he looks

July 20, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

Art is a way for incarcerated people to sooth the mind and soul in a positive way. It provides a healthy escape from the depression that often accompanies life in prison. In the SQNews art back page edition, we intend to showcase the hidden talents of many incarcerated people, so that they can be appreciated and enjoyed by others across the prison … [Read More...]

Omid Mokri: “EL ARTISTA”

May 9, 2022 By Juan Espinosa

El arte como instrumento de liberación Omid Mokri es un artista iraní que emigró a los Estados Unidos cuando era joven. Una vez en este país, Mokri asistió a la Escuela de Diseño de Rhode Island (Rhode Island School of Design) y estudió anatomía en la Liga de Estudiantes de Arte (Arts Students League) de Nueva York. Mokri también obtuvo una … [Read More...]

WALL CITY: La cárcel no es lugar para guardar luto

May 7, 2022 By San Quentin News

Verano del 2021Volume 2 Publicación Edición Español El solitario sol va bajando atras de la prision de San Quentin, donde prisioneros tienen que enfrentar su tristeza y lamentar cuando un ser amado muere afuera. En estas paginas hay historias tanto de perdida como de perseverancia. Wall City es escrita y producida por … [Read More...]

WALL CITY: Arte en prision

May 6, 2022 By San Quentin News Contributor

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Eddie-D.-Herena_SQN-Photographer_Professor_Kim

Alumni Spotlight: Eddie Herena, Former Staff Photographer

May 3, 2022 By San Quentin News

During his time on staff at SQNews, Eddie took thousands of pictures, with an amazing eye for detail and dramatic shots. Eddie developed such skill with the camera, current layout designers who never met him are able to distinguish his photos by sight. … [Read More...]

Junior Ramirez finds peace in his passion 

May 2, 2022 By Vincent O'Bannon

Art was his only means of communication; now it’s his hope There is a saying that art imitates life. If that is so, then the artistic genius of Jorge “JR” Ramirez reveals that he has life fully grasped within the strokes of his hands.  JR, as he is known by family and friends, comes from the streets of Chicago and moved to Sacramento at age … [Read More...]

VHV Shakespeare 3

San Quentin veterans find healing in Shakespeare

May 1, 2022 By Charles Crow

The Shakespeare for Social Justice Program and Veterans Healing Veterans — from the Inside Out — presented “The Field” on Dec. 16 in the ARC building.  San Quentin veterans, working with the Marin Shakespeare Company, told their stories via a genre called “Reader’s Theatre.” The men did not memorize but rather read their parts from a script of … [Read More...]

Shakespeare groups provide opportunities for creative expression 

May 1, 2022 By Joshua Strange

The San Quentin Shakespeare Group performed scenes from Othello and original theater pieces in front of an audience of over 60 supporters and incarcerated people in the San Quentin Protestant Chapel in December.  The dedicated actors overcame a two-hour delay from restricted movement issues due to fog. Then they delivered compelling … [Read More...]

Closer Than You Think 

April 27, 2022 By San Quentin News Contributor

By Erick Maciel  This painting is intended to depict San Quentin’s health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Send memorial submissions to:Mourning Our LossesP.O. Box 4430Sunland, CA 91041Mourning Our LossesP.O. Box 15005Austin, TX 78761Website: mourningourlosses.orgEmail: mourningourlosses@gmail.com … [Read More...]

SAM’s AQUA Adventures 

April 26, 2022 By San Quentin News Contributor

By Quint Clark  … [Read More...]

A journey into Afro-Futurism

April 26, 2022 By Marcus Henderson

African symbolism art on display Vibrant colors dance from incarcerated artist Lamavis “Shorty” Comundoiwilla’s paint brush on multiple canvases he transports viewers of his art in what can be deemed as Afro-Futurism. The fusion of pointillism (dots) and expressionism mixed with a dash of African symbolism in his painting The Feminine Yacub of … [Read More...]

Where slick lines and poetic provocation converge

April 22, 2022 By Aron Kumar Roy

George “Mesro” Coles-El is engaging in social justice reform through art. His two preferred mediums of art are graffiti and poetry. “My main goal is social awareness,” said Coles-El, “Not all of my pieces are talking about social reform, but even my name is a social statement because it creates awareness around what people in prison are … [Read More...]

‘If it’s broke… why fix it?’

April 22, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

Robert Kuikahi celebrates the beauty of brokenness Prison can limit and restrict artists, but Robert Kuikali finds it therapeutic and self-soothing to sit behind the scenes, creating or sketching his crafts.  “Art releases my stress; it gives me peace of mind. When I feel overwhelmed or weighed down with negativity, drawing or … [Read More...]

Transformando vidas a través del ARTE

April 21, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

El lenguaje universal del arte puede transformar a hombres y mujeres encarcelados al ofrecerles herramientas de auto-descubrimiento, auto-reflexión y un proceso para sanar.  El Arte Colectivo de la Prisión (PAC) es un programa administrado por la Universidad de San Diego y está disponible para las prisiones dirigidas por el Departamento de … [Read More...]

ARTS: Michael Mackey takes his pen for a walk on paper

January 22, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

Mackey has come up with his own style...  allowing his imagination to run wild  in an environment  where art has its own identity.  Many incarcerated men continue to discover their talents and attributes behind bars, leading some of them to create animated characters.  Prison can be a dark place — or a … [Read More...]

TheatreWorkers Project plants seeds of freedom inside prison walls

January 21, 2022 By Nathan McKinney

During the COVID-19 pandemic, prison volunteers and the formerly incarcerated produced powerful videos and audio projects at California State Prison-Lancaster (CSP-LAC). The inspirational productions were based on the words of incarcerated thespians (actors and artists).  The TheatreWorkers Project (TWP), a theatre-based prison workshop, … [Read More...]

Quint Clark’s comic styling brings the funnies to SQNews

January 14, 2022 By Edwin Chavez

SQNews continues to discover talented incarcerated men who express themselves through the gift of art.  Quinterrious Clark, 48, a San Quentin resident, has developed his own characters and brought them to life in his cartoon series, Sam's Aqua Adventures and related spin-offs. Quint's character style is colorful and entertaining, though he … [Read More...]

Prison ARTS Collective: Program offers incarcerated artists a platform for self-healing

December 27, 2021 By Edwin Chavez

The universal language of art is being used to transform incarcerated men and women by giving them the tools for self-discovery, self-reflection and a process of healing.  The Prison Arts Collective (PAC) is administered by San Diego State University and its program is available to prisons run by the California Department of Corrections and … [Read More...]

New reality TV show plays prison match-maker

December 27, 2021 By Joshua Grant

A new television production called Prisoner of Love views the U.S. prison population through the lens of reality TV love connections.  The show follows matchmaker Chelsea Holmes as she helps available folks on the outside meet incarcerated singles in the digital age, according to Popculture and The Futon Critic.  “There’s a stigma … [Read More...]

2022

December 21, 2021 By San Quentin News

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Ronnie Murillo transforms trash into treasures

November 18, 2021 By Aron Kumar Roy

Ronnie “Conejo” Murillo is applying his newly acquired math skills to construct unique pieces of art. Having been a craftsperson since his high school days, he has recently been able to level up his skills by utilizing arithmetic, measuring, and geometry techniques he learned in Ms. Lucas’s Adult Basic Education class. “Life itself is a … [Read More...]

Looking back on a legacy of woodworking

November 18, 2021 By Edwin Chavez

In the late 1980’s, an “old lifer” at the California Men’s Colony took Douglas Ingham under his wing and taught him woodworking to keep him busy and out of trouble. The results of many years’ dedication to his craft speak for themselves, including an armoire with an etched mirror (top left), a prayer box (bottom left), and a glass-fronted cabinet … [Read More...]

Arthur Yeary brings people and animals to life

October 29, 2021 By Edwin Chavez

San Quentin State Prison has a diverse population of artists who work in a variety of styles and mediums. Each edition of SQ News seeks to highlight the amazing creativity among us. Arthur L. Yeary is one such artist whose incredible talent shines brightly.  “When I was 13, I started learning how to draw by doodling,” said Yeary. “The … [Read More...]

Robert Guzman’s hands express his father’s legacy

October 29, 2021 By Heriberto Arredondo

Robert Guzman is a 54-year-old Native American who found a new life as an artist and amateur counselor in prison. His bloodline includes Ute, Blackfoot, and Mexican. He arrived at San Quentin in 2019. Throughout his 21 years of incarceration, Guzman honed skills he developed as a young boy working with leather, beads, paints, and woodcarvings — … [Read More...]

Jerry Welsh finds therapeutic benefit in his intricate beadwork

September 30, 2021 By Edwin Chavez

Gerald Welsh, 51, who has been incarcerated for 16 years, said he creates bead crafts for therapeutic reasons. “I find peace of mind and it is also a part of my religious belief,” said Welsh. Doing bead work sent him on a “whole different journey,” he said, as it has taken him through self-discovery and helped him to embrace his roots. Welsh … [Read More...]

Remembering Ronnie Goodman: Painter, champion runner, friend

September 30, 2021 By Steve Brooks

Living on the streets of San Francisco, Ronnie Goodman was never “homeless,” for his heart was ever at home in his art. “I am inspired by the beauty of this city and its diversity, balanced with the struggles of human despair,” he wrote before he died. “With my brush, I try to capture these raw emotions. Former San Quentin resident Ronnie … [Read More...]

The Arts: Perfect Plate by Ben Chandler

August 30, 2021 By Juan Haines

Ben Chandler, 57 has spent five of the six years he has been incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison. His favorite painters are Picasso and Michelangelo. Nevertheless, he likes working in color schemes that are impressionistic, giving them a more realistic look. He said that he enjoys painting still life. “I painted Perfect Plate for my … [Read More...]

Artistic equipment: empty artist canvas on easel and paint brushes in a artist studio. Retro toned photo.

ARTS: Manuel Flores creates and donates to children with cancer

August 30, 2021 By Edwin Chavez

As a means of dealing with the stress of incarceration and the COVID-19 pandemic, a San Quentin prisoner creates and donates art to children with cancer.  “I do my art to keep me busy, so that I can think positive,” said Manuel Flores.  Flores’ art portrays heart-shaped frames of Jesus and baby shoes that can be hung around people’s … [Read More...]

Dana Cheatum: From Life Sentence to Life Coach

July 31, 2021 By Vincent O'Bannon

A former lifer now offers hope and direction to hundreds of abused women in California with a sole purpose – help incarcerated women gain a renewed sense of self. “A woman with a vision empowers an empire of women to do more, see more, and be more,” said Dana Chea-tum, founder of Total Women Empowerment Life Coaching Inc. (TWELC), via … [Read More...]

Banksy mural turns old British jail into historic treasure

July 31, 2021 By Aron Kumar Roy

A mural on a former British jail has triggered efforts to preserve the building from developers. The Reading Gaol jail was up for sale, but a bid from building developers fell through, according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). “Banksy,” a famous guerrilla artist, may have let his feelings be known about the project by … [Read More...]

Nina Simone: legendary singer, songwriter and civil rights activist

February 26, 2021 By San Quentin News

Born Nina Simone Catherine Waymon, Nina was a singer, songwriter and a civil rights activist. She recorded more than 40 albums between 1947 and 1958. Many of her songs address the racial inequality in the United States. Her song "Mississippi goddamn” was in response to the killing of civil rights leader Medgar Evers and the bombing of the 16th … [Read More...]

Cutty and Boo

Q Ball nominated for Emmy Awards in 2020

January 31, 2021 By Timothy Hicks

San Quentin–filmed Q Ball was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Long Sports Documentary, making it the first Sports Emmy-nominated prison documentary film in California’s prison history. “They didn’t see our clothes or our incarceration,” said San Quentin resident Anthony Ammons, who was one of the stars in the film. Speaking of … [Read More...]

Snippets September 2020

September 30, 2020 By Jonathan Chiu

Ray Kroc was a milkshake-mixer salesman and in 1954 asks the McDonalds’ brothers to let him franchise McDonald’s restaurants outside California and Arizona. UAVs are used for the shipment of live-saving medical equipment and medication where human transport would be too time-consuming in Africa. Turning down the $11 million dollar role for … [Read More...]

Peace movement takes root in all 36 California prisons

March 16, 2020 By Anthony Manuel Caravalho

California’s top prison official, Ralph Diaz, says as a society our differences are a good thing, and no matter what a person’s social background is, “They bring value to the world simply by being here.” Diaz is secretary of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). His statement was delivered to San Quentin on the Day … [Read More...]

Pelican Bay’s new podcast ‘UNLOCKED’

March 16, 2020 By Vincent O'Bannon

Creators of a new Pelican Bay podcast look to build community and prisoner relationships—one story at a time, reported the Lost Coast Outpost. https://lostcoastoutpost.com/ “These guys just want to better themselves and create a stronger, more resilient, community,” said Paul Critz, a journalist who teaches inmate students the tools they need … [Read More...]

Inspirational entertainer urges others to claim their unique identity

February 13, 2020 By Charles Crow

Finding your unique voice and identity is important for everyone, boxer-tap dancer Joe Orrach illustrated for a San Quentin Prison audience. The show encouraged in- carcerated people to tell their own stories as part of their re- habilitation, making the show more than just entertainment for San Quentin residents. Nearly 100 people made up … [Read More...]

Wall CITY Edición Español: ARTE EN PRISIÓN

January 14, 2020 By San Quentin News Staff

Mural en la unidad H de San Quentin "Calvary" de Octavio Ocampo Recreada por: C. O'Neal en el 2010 … [Read More...]

World renowned magicians tour and perform at SQ

January 7, 2020 By Joe Garcia

An international squad of escape artists, grand illusionists, mind readers and tricksters descended on San Quentin State Prison for a special Nov. 26 performance right before Thanksgiving. Set to make their Broadway San Francisco debut later that night, Champions of Magic chose to first visit SQ and dazzle prisoners with theatrical wizardry and … [Read More...]

Remembering Patrick Maloney’s 40 years at San Quentin

January 7, 2020 By Juan Haines

Patrick Maloney taught art to incarcerated men at San Quentin for more than 40 years, his first 10 years were spent voluntarily teaching condemned men on Death Row. Maloney was born, Feb. 5, 1938. He passed away on Aug. 18, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and his art at the home that he built in Nicasio in the late 1960s. His … [Read More...]

Around the World

January 7, 2020 By San Quentin News Contributor

Norwalk Public Defender Philip Peng in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador … [Read More...]

Cartoon

January 7, 2020 By San Quentin News Contributor

by John Krueger , IllustratIon by KelvIn ross … [Read More...]

ART

January 7, 2020 By San Quentin News Contributor

By Ronald Gabriel … [Read More...]

The healing power of drama therapy

December 12, 2019 By Joe Garcia

People might think Marin Shakespeare at SQ simply provides prisoners the opportunity to display their acting talent—but there’s a whole lot more to it. The program actually bases its core principles around the rehabilitative benefits of drama therapy. Suraya Keating and Marianne S. facilitate the weekly workshops and are both professionally … [Read More...]

Performances spark emotions and raise awareness

December 12, 2019 By Joe Garcia

The Oct. 23 performance of Marin Shakespeare at the San Quentin chapel featured another series of original parallel plays—inspired this time by The Winter’s Tale. David Gadley started things off by illustrating the inner turmoil caused by overdose and an unavoidable drug test in Making Better Choices, before Jason Griffin examined the trauma … [Read More...]

The surprise of original theater

December 12, 2019 By Joe Garcia

The flyers and playbills clearly advertised a collection of “parallel plays,” yet hardly anyone who attended Marin Shakespeare San Quentin’s October showcases knew quite what to expect. “The performances you will see today invite us to contemplate a crucial choice many of us must make in our lives—the choice to live from fear or love,” … [Read More...]

Hamilton meets Marin Shakespeare at San Quentin

December 12, 2019 By Joe Garcia

Renowned acting company finds emotional connection with incarcerated actors Cast and crew members from the Broadway San Francisco production of Hamilton reconnected with the San Quentin community at the Oct. 11 Marin Shakespeare performance. First visiting the historic and innovative prison in June, this time the Hamilton gang filled an … [Read More...]

Capturing prison life through art – Avenal artists create historic murals

December 12, 2019 By San Quentin News Contributor

By R. Ramirez, Contributing Writer Historical murals are being created by the men of Avenal State Prison’s Facility F yard, capturing the pains and transformations of prison life. A two-part mural was painted on the Facility F chow hall walls. It aims to tell a compelling story. The paintings begin with incarcerated people working on a … [Read More...]

Art aficionados seeking new perspectives from prison artists

November 18, 2019 By Juan Haines

About a dozen San Francisco Bay Area art lovers in search of astonishing art ended up at San Quentin State Prison on August 21. One of the visitors, Christine Lashaw, a curator at the Oakland Museum, says she’s interested in telling stories about incarceration. Her idea is to display San Quentin art in the Oakland Museum. “How can we get … [Read More...]

SIDEWALK CHALK CONTEST

SIDEWALK CHALK CONTEST

September 16, 2019 By Juan Haines

Just outside the Receiving and Release building 40 incarcerated men sat, squat or bent over and held chalk of every color to decorate a 32 inch by 32 inch square on a tar surface with the artists’ meaning of peace. It’s all for The Day of Peace https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_PeaceSidewalk Chalk Contest. Hines, who facilitates … [Read More...]

Left to Right: Steven Minor, prisoner dancer, Jonathan Terry, Britton Schutte and Salvador Hernandez

SQ’s No Limits dance crew performs

July 9, 2019 By Aron Kumar Roy

“The EOP program has enriched my life” San Quentin’s No Limits Dance Crew raised the roof once again during their May performance. The crew stepped it up and debuted their first piece of original choreography in the education department of the prison’s dormitory yard. “The men came up with most of the moves, I just directed them in the … [Read More...]

SQ Tour guides speak about prison experiences to Derby law school

Britain’s Derby law school members visit San Quentin

July 9, 2019 By Juan Haines

Future cops, probation officers and students of criminal justice from Britain got an up-close view of an American prison during a visit to San Quentin. They met the incarcerated artists who had donated paintings to the University of Derby’s gallery. The art hangs in Friar Gate Square — “It’s a big copper building. People call it the copper box,” … [Read More...]

Navigating the unexpected: Improv offers critical life skills

June 26, 2019 By Aron Kumar Roy

Roars of laughter filled the classroom as the Prison University Project (PUP) Improv Troupe put on the last of two performances for the spring semester. The April 19 show was a result of everything that the students learned in the Improv for Life class. “Everything that you are about to see has not been planned; it has not been rehearsed; it … [Read More...]

Prison and Jail Tour offers unique insight into incarcerated conditions

June 25, 2019 By lloyd payne

A group of college students got a first-hand, up-close look at the California prison system on a recent tour arranged by a former inmate. About 20 students from Loyola Marymount University went on the Prison & Jail Tour created by a formerly incarcerated man, Francisco “Franky” Carrillo Jr. Carrillo was innocent, and he proved it several … [Read More...]

Program helps at risk youth through music

June 25, 2019 By Kevin.Sawyer

John Wallace went to jail and prison19 times, starting at age 18. Then he was sent to San Quentin, where he served two terms and started writing rap lyrics on his last trip there in the prison’s West Block. An initial opening to a career in music happened by chance when Wallace and other inmates created what he described as a “radio show” called … [Read More...]

Bread & Roses presents tribute to honor Audrey Auld

May 15, 2019 By David Ditto

A parade of San Quentin musicians entertained about 100 inmates while honoring the late folksinger Audrey Auld, a favorite performer at the prison. “She opened up her heart; she brought her music. She was amazing!” guitarist Richie Morris said of Auld. “Audrey’s final performance at San Quentin was the performance of a life- time—the show to … [Read More...]

San Quentin’s 52nd annual Native American Pow Wow

May 6, 2019 By Marcus Henderson

Native American spiritual leaders from across California and the na- tion brought the spirit of family and the traditional healing dances to San Quentin’s 52nd annual Pow Wow. Colorful dancers from Oklahoma and elders from Oregon mixed with the local Native American prisoners to celebrate the sacred circle of life. “We came to let the men … [Read More...]

Artist and mentor Pat Mahoney retires

May 6, 2019 By Juan Haines

Pat Mahoney spent the last 40 years coming inside San Quentin to mentor incarcerated artists on the finer points of art; however, he’s best known as a keen listener and caring person. Mahoney is one of the founders of the San Quentin Arts in Corrections program, sponsored by the William James Association. He retired from the Arts in Corrections … [Read More...]

Cori Thomas

Cori Thomas brings attention to criminal justice system with play

May 1, 2019 By Rahsaan Thomas

When the Rattlestick Theater commissioned playwright and San Quentin volunteer Cori Thomas to write a play in 2016, she penned a draft featuring a 62-year-old man who has been incarcerated since he was 16 called Lockdown. At the time, she had never visited a prison or envisioned having her first play, which debuted in New York City, become a tool … [Read More...]

The cast of Life after the performance

Lifer: A play about former SQ resident Glenn Bailey

May 1, 2019 By San Quentin News Contributor

Playwright Dr. Ayodele Nzinga was already collect- ing stories of communities impacted by the carceral system when she met Glenn Bailey, in 2014. She had just started work on “Beyond Bars: Growing Home,” a performance that explored how returning citizens processed the trauma of coming home, inspired by interviews with men recently released from … [Read More...]

Lamavis Comundoiwilla painting “Kufu” and “Candice” done in a style he calls Fusion

Prison artists display their work in San Rafael’s Bartolini Gallery

April 30, 2019 By Rahsaan Thomas

Incarcerated artists under the tutelage of the William James’ Arts & Correction program produced “museum- quality” paintings that were displayed at the Bartolini Gallery in San Rafael from Jan. 16-March 28. “It’s just truly museum quality in so many ways,” said Libby Garrison, who cu- rated the exhibit. “They [the artists who are … [Read More...]

Host Jonathan Chiu talking with PUP coordinator Derrius Jones

Prison University Project celebrates the year with Open Mic

February 27, 2019 By Juan Haines

Personal stories, comedians, singers and dancer entertained an audience made up of about 300 incarcerated men and 40 local volunteers late last December at the Prison University Project (PUP) annual open mic.  San Quentin State Prison’s Christmas decorations were still on display in the Protestant Chapel as more than two dozen inmates, who … [Read More...]

Performance of Women Theater Work at LA Trade-Tech Center

Storytelling: bridging the divide between prison and the free world

February 14, 2019 By Marcus Henderson

The “right road lost/FOUND” is a play based on the memories, life stories and experiences of five formerly incarcerated men and women who navigate their personal paths through reentry into the free world. The production had its debut at the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC), a community college in South Los Angeles. It was also … [Read More...]

Parallel Play 3

SQ Shakespeare troupe performs skits about trauma and healing

January 23, 2019 By Wayne Boatwright

Nine original skits put modern personal trauma and healing on full display this past October.  The audience discovers how Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors had inspired a troupe of actors to present original works of how trauma is passed down across generations until a choice is made to heal. The troupe used intimate personal skits to express … [Read More...]

VHV Shakespeare 1

Veterans Healing Veterans organizes Shakespeare plays

January 15, 2019 By Wayne Boatwright

A group of San Quentin veterans joined with Shakespearean actors on Nov. 29 to portray the experience of service and sacrifice. A banner greeted the audience VETERANS HEALING VETERANS FROM THE INSIDE OUT (VHV-FTIO), a group with a mission to represent the imprint each generation of veterans leaves on the next. Lesley Currier directed the … [Read More...]

Developing a relationship from 40 years of letter writing

January 10, 2019 By lloyd payne

Letter-writing has not lost its appeal, at least not for Carol Horan, who values having something handwritten for its “lasting quality.” She has been a pen pal to prisoners for more than 40 years. Horan first wrote a man name Jeff Dicks, who later died in prison of a massive heart attack after 17 years on Death Row, according to … [Read More...]

Death Row gains attention with crucifixion painting

January 10, 2019 By Achilles

Prisoners on Death Row in Nashville gained the attention of many parishioners with a thought-provoking painting of the crucifixion scene of Jesus, reported Holly Meyer of the USA Today Network. Derrick Quintero, sentenced to death in 1991 for first-degree murder, is one of the artists who depicted the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. “The … [Read More...]

Comedyfest showcase brings comfort to SQ’s Protestant Chapel

January 10, 2019 By Timothy Hicks

A comedy fest showcased three funny and talented individuals who brought comfort, joy and laughter to more than 300 San Quentin inmates in San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel. Chuckles and Laughs was the theme of the Nov. 30 nighttime show as comics shared funny and edgy stories and jokes. “Laughter is the cure to the soul,” said Ramon Watkins. “I … [Read More...]

Queens of the Stone Age "Go with the Flow"

Queens of the Stone Age, Deadsy & Queeny King rock out at SQ

December 31, 2018 By Marcus Henderson

San Quentin is still on many great musicians’ “must” list of places to perform. Queens of the Stone Age, Queeny King and Deadsy are now among the legends such as Johnny Cash, Carlos Santana and Metallica that have rocked the prison. The Nov. 16 rock concert was the final leg of the “Villains World Tour 2018” for the Queens of the Stone Age. … [Read More...]

Makahiki 1

Native Hawaiian Religious Group holds annual feast

December 29, 2018 By Wayne Boatwright

San Quentin was treated to a Hawaiian celebration of food, laughs and music. About 75 prisoners and two dozen Bay Area community members enjoyed the annual feast of the Native Hawaiian Religious Group (NHRG). “This is the second best thing to having a spread on the yard,” said inmate Romeo Pacos. The gathering reunites Asian and Pacific … [Read More...]

Zuill Bailey 1

Magical tones from Bach played by cellist Zuill Bailey

December 29, 2018 By Kevin.Sawyer

The magical tones of Bach compositions filled the San Quentin Protestant Chapel under the masterful hand of Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey. It was Bailey’s second performance this year at San Quentin. Each time he’s played at the historic prison, he’s moved some inmates to tears when they listened to his melodic solos. “I wanted … [Read More...]

Creativing Writing 1

The restorative power of creative writing: Incarcerated people find healing through the written word

December 28, 2018 By Joe Garcia

Inmates captivated a San Quentin audience of more than 100 on Oct. 20 in the Catholic chapel. They told stories inspired by their childhood, life in prison, dreams and nightmares. “Writing—that’s what saved me in prison,” said Joe Camacho, a former prisoner and alumnus of the writing program called Brothers in Pen. “It became a survival skill to … [Read More...]

Karen Drucker

Karen Drucker and friends share an evening of music at San Quentin

December 25, 2018 By Kevin.Sawyer

Karen Drucker and Friends shared an evening of music with the men at San Quentin. For two hours, the singer-songwriter entertained more than 80 people who attended the performance on a Sunday evening in late September. Men of all races sprinkled the pews in the prison’s Catholic chapel, wearing state-issued blues stenciled with CDCR Prisoner on … [Read More...]

Beso Negro performs in year's final yard show at SQ

November 29, 2018 By Marcus Henderson

The Bay Area’s gypsy swing, band Beso Negro (Black Kiss) treated San Quentin prisoners to acoustic musical mastery at its Sept. 29 event, which was San Quentin’s final yard show of the year. Loud applause and whistles greeted the group, as lead singer/guitarist Adam Roach’s piercing vocals opened the 90-minute set. Bassist Cheyenne Young, guitarist … [Read More...]

Photo by Brain Asey

Breaking the cycle of incarceration with music from behind prison walls

November 15, 2018 By Juan Haines

The day before inmates Thanh Tran, Eric “Maserati-E” Abercrombie, and Gregg “G” Sayers, created Reality Check — a song that describes the human condition—they sat in a small room in San Quentin to rehearse it for their first time on-stage performance as a group. As Sayers softly plucked his guitar, Maserati-E sang Reality Check’s hook. Tran chimed … [Read More...]

Rising operatic star mesmerizes SQ

October 20, 2018 By Kevin Sawyer

Rising opera singer Sara LeMesh brought her musical talents to San Quentin State Prison, mesmerizing her captive audience with her singing and charm. In the prison’s Catholic chapel, LeMesh used the power of her soprano voice to entertain an audience of more than 100 as she ran through a set of 19 songs on a Sunday evening in August. The men … [Read More...]

San Quentin musical event showcases lyrical artists

October 15, 2018 By Marcus Henderson

Rap music has become heavily materialistic lately, but true “MC-ing” resurfaced on San Quentin’s Lower Yard, as visiting artist Kev Choice Ensemble and an array of young San Quentin lyricists moved crowd. At the August 24 yard show had a mosh pit of young prisoners “turned up,” as their generation calls it. They danced wildly, pumped their hands in … [Read More...]

Long road to perform Shakespeare’s “King Lear”

September 27, 2018 By Wayne Boatwright

It is a long road to a performance of Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” held on May 18, and “Comedy of Errors” on May 25. The cast has been rehearsing since last November. How a theater troupe creates the rollercoaster ride of emotions expected at a Shakespearean play is a mystery to most audiences. To appreciate the effort that goes into building that … [Read More...]

Using poetry to build bridges

September 11, 2018 By Marcus Henderson

A Colorado group called Words Beyond Bars is building bridges between prisoners and the public through poetry. Words Beyond Bars (WBB) hosts a poetry-reading event every other month at a public library in partnership with another organization, Unchained Voices. Community members listen to the thoughts and words of the prisoners and write responses … [Read More...]

San Quentin Arts in Corrections At SFO

September 10, 2018 By San Quentin News Contributor

Don't miss "Flying Free" at SFO through October 24!! Accessible before security- Terminal 3 near United Baggage carousel   Terminal 3 Arrivals-Level 1 - Pre-Security July 25, 2018 - October 24, 2018 https://www.flysfo.com/museum/exhibitions/san-quentin-arts-corrections-flying-free   Carol Newborg, Program Manager San Quentin Arts in … [Read More...]

SQ Shakespeare troupe performs the Comedy of Errors

The show goes on for SQ Shakespeareans

August 20, 2018 By Juan Haines

Drama therapy was in full display on May 18 as a nine-day quarantine ended at San Quentin for inmate performers in the Shakespeare play King Lear — a week later, the prison was on normal program for Comedy of Errors. “First, I was in shock,” said Jason Robinson about West Block getting off the quarantine. “But, Steve Emrick (Community Partnership … [Read More...]

Paintings done by San Quentin artists displayed at the Cords Gallery

SQ artists raise money for the fight against cancer

August 19, 2018 By Rahsaan Thomas

Artists incarcerated at San Quentin used their talent to raise money for cancer research at Cords Gallery during a First Friday art walk in Oakland. “I’ve been so inspired by the work of men inside who want to give back to their community and give back in creative ways, to not just support each other inside but to make an impact on the lives of … [Read More...]

Butterscotch at The Q

Butterscotch comes back to perform for TLM

August 17, 2018 By Rahsaan Thomas

A crowd of incarcerated men cheered like it was their parole day when Antoinette “Butterscotch” Clinton took the stage at San Quentin State Prison June 14. This time, she returned with Grammy-nominated artist Ryan Leslie. The musical genius turned a prison chapel into a concert, a reunion and a pre-graduation celebration for computer coding and … [Read More...]

Brothers in Pen anthology – "Pens Up, Don’t Shoot"

August 10, 2018 By Wayne Boatwright

ANNOUNCEMENT The title of the latest anthology in the “Brothers in Pen” series, Pens Up, Don’t Shoot, arose from the phrase protestors rallied around after Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson, Missouri in August 2014. So much has happened since then. This book’s first stories began to be compiled in 2015… but due to its editor’s … [Read More...]

Alex Massart at the Matterhorn

August 9, 2018 By Wayne Boatwright

"25 percent of millennial-age American men think asking a woman who is not a romantic partner to go for a drink is harassment, "according to a recent survey by The Economist/YouGov reports The New York Times 1-17-18. “This is the most asinine act I’ve ever seen a police officer make.”  Joseph T. Deters, Cincinnati’s top prosecutor told reporters … [Read More...]

AJ Gonzales on the piano

NY’s Metropolitan Museum of Art comes to SQ

August 8, 2018 By Rahsaan Thomas

Representatives from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, seeking music for a ballet production, traveled cross-country to hear from incarcerated artists. “Ear Hustle — that’s where I learned about the excellent talent and music people are making inside of prison,” said Limor Tomer, the general manager of live arts at the Met. Ear Hustle, … [Read More...]

SQN-at-White-House-by-Dax-Vivid

Dax Vivid at the White House

August 8, 2018 By San Quentin News Contributor

https://sanquentinnews.com/overview-inmate-deaths-2017-cdcr/   … [Read More...]

Jan-Perry-profile-pix

Around the World with SQ news

August 8, 2018 By San Quentin News Contributor

… [Read More...]

San Quentin News World Travels

August 1, 2018 By Wayne Boatwright

SAN QUENTIN NEWS WORLD TRAVELS Various supporters with the SQ News in exotic locales....fromDisneyland, California to the real Matterhorn.   Amy Goodman, Democracy Now, reading the San Quentin News “Police departments in 13 of the 25 largest U.S. cities did not post their (operating and use-of-force) procedures online.”  “The Opaque Blue … [Read More...]

Young offenders learn expression through poetry

July 24, 2018 By Marcus Henderson

For nearly 15 years New Earth, a nonprofit organization, has served incarcerated and formerly incarcerated youth throughout Southern California. New Earth provides youth offenders in juvenile halls, group homes and probation camps with a support system and mentorship program. The organization also has a reentry center that caters to the needs of … [Read More...]

San Quentin News Travels the World

July 24, 2018 By San Quentin News Contributor

Giving Circle   … [Read More...]

Unfretted about Cellist Zuill Bailey

June 11, 2018 By San Quentin News Contributor

Armed with horsehair bow, The cellist reaches down through, Vertical teachings, Through horizontal stratagem, Discovering subtle, powerful sound itself, Spreading life in its natural state, Floating in songs disciplines compiled, Colliding far above the, Serpent’s judgment, Above digital, electric lies, Acoustical sound resonates across time, … [Read More...]

Queeny King and DJ Kraig in front of San Quentin

Queeny King performs at SQ

May 15, 2018 By Kevin Sawyer

At age 8, singer-song writer Queeny King sang in a Soviet Union prison. In March, she performed at San Quentin State Prison. Dressed in black bell-bottom pants with buttons along the side and wearing a black blazer with a shiny brown blouse, King put on a look that, on its face, could have been interpreted as belonging to rock, goth, punk or the … [Read More...]

Solitary Watch offers inmates photographs beyond a gray wall

May 13, 2018 By Achilles

The day he learned his solitary confinement would be extended, 17-year-old Benjamin Van Zandt killed himself in a New York prison. To bring awareness and bridge the gap between the public and those in isolation, an advocacy group held  an art exhibit in a Unitarian church in New York, showcasing photographs requested by and produced for prisoners … [Read More...]

Singer/songwriter Neda Boin brings inspiration to SQ

April 16, 2018 By Kevin Sawyer

There is a way to change anger and fear to love, singer-songwriter Neda Boin told an audience of San Quentin prisoners and outside guests. For her, it came after completing A Course in Miracles. Boin came from the Netherlands to release songs from her new album, The Light Has Come, at San Quentin State Prison. About 100 guests attended the February … [Read More...]

Justicia rota

Art Prison Program

April 14, 2018 By Forrest Lee Jones

California prisoners are learning art behind prison walls and it’s transforming their lives, reports the New York Times. They are creating artistic scenes with bright color and light on murals at prisons like Salinas Valley and San Quentin state prisons. “I don’t have much of a legacy,” said Jeffrey Sutton, who is serving 41 years for armed … [Read More...]

Nythell “Nate” Collins explaining how incarceration affects him

Artistic Ensemble Showcases Its Talents

March 19, 2018 By Juan Haines

A prison chapel served as a theater to dance, sing, rap and use spoken-word for an inmate performance, called Site Unseen. The audience of free people and men-in-blue walked across a makeshift stage and sat side by side to enjoy San Quentin’s Artistic Ensemble. “Prisoners, equality is not important to them … they like their plight. Like Prisoners, … [Read More...]

Former A.W. K.J. Williams and Debra Wynn singing gospelFormer A.W. K.J. Williams and Debra Wynn singing gospel

Musicians rocked San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel

January 19, 2018 By Juan Haines

San Quentin State Prison, known by its warden, Ron Davis, to be “The Titan of Rehabilitation,” one-upped itself with a spirited collaboration. Featured were incarcerated musicians sharing the stage with a gospel duo made up of a retired associate warden and a prison staffer, local Bay Area musicians, and a guitar/violin duo from Sacramento. There … [Read More...]

Kurt Huget playing with Tony Saunders in the SQ Day of Peace

The Healing Power of Music rocks out at San Quentin

November 1, 2017 By Kevin.Sawyer

San Quentin welcomed back several Bay Area musicians who performed “oldies” hits in the prison’s Catholic chapel in September. The organization Bread & Roses billed it as “The Healing Power of Music.” Dozens of inmates attended the Sunday evening event tapping feet, bobbing heads and singing as the band grooved for two hours. The inmates began … [Read More...]

Inmate actors with Jason Robinson performing in the SQ Chapel

Shakespeare troupe brings on comedy and drama

September 1, 2017 By Wayne Boatwright

Energy was high and humor flowed like good ale when performers in costume of Old England mixed with the audience at the San Quentin Protestant Chapel prior to the performance of two plays. The Shakespeare at San Quentin troupe held performances of Measure For Measure on May 12 and Richard II on May 19. Like Hamilton, these characters from the deep … [Read More...]

Avon’s 39-mile Walk of celebration and remembrance

August 2, 2017 By Marcus Henderson

A small array of pink T-shirts filled San Quentin’s Lower Yard as guests, volunteers and prisoners walked 39 miles celebrating the lives of cancer survivors and those who have succumbed to the disease. The 9th Annual SQ CARES (Compassion, Accountability, Responsibility, Express through community Service) Avon Walk for Breast Cancer was a two-day … [Read More...]

Native Americans’ 50 years of struggle

March 27, 2017 By Marcus Henderson

The San Quentin Native American community is celebrating 50 years of campaigning to protect and preserve their culture. Plans are underway to have another of the Native American Spiritual Group’s Pow Wows later this year. The Pow Wow is only one part of a larger set of activities, which includes honoring elders and traveling the “Red Road,” a … [Read More...]

SQ inmates’ victory lures biggies of podcasting

March 26, 2017 By Rahsaan Thomas

The CEO of a major podcasting network, along with other executives, took an eventful trip from the East Coast to meet with the incarcerated men who defeated more than 1,500 entries from 53 countries in a storytelling contest. PRX CEO Kerri Hoffman and Radiotopia Executive Producer Julie Shapiro entered San Quentin State Prison for the first time … [Read More...]

SQ artists on display at the Smithsonian

February 9, 2017 By Rahsaan Thomas

A group of incarcerated men with no architectural experience, created design ideas for a better America that were displayed in a museum overlooking New York’s Central Park. “It’s surreal. It’s something to be proud of,” said Noah Wright, one of the four incarcerated designers of the Genesis Project. “Sitting in here, you don’t expect that people … [Read More...]

PUP’s big open-mic night winds up its year

February 3, 2017 By Juan Haines

Teachers and aides with the Prison University Project, at San Quentin, along with inmates and prison staffers, roared with laughter on Dec. 30 to a sing-along spoof of the Twelve Days of Christmas by Alex Brigg. The parody made fun of police harassment as the audience chimed in with, “On the Fifth Day of Christmas, the police brought to me, five … [Read More...]

Kwanzaa offers solutions for the community

February 3, 2017 By Emile Deweaver

The timing of Kwanzaa’s 50th anniversary celebration in San Quentin was apt because the event happened on the third night of Kwanzaa when communities come together to share and solve problems. More than 100 men attended the event, which was hosted by Darnell “Moe” Washington. The celebration featured music, spoken word poetry and impromptu … [Read More...]

Veterans and Shakespeare converge tell war stories

February 3, 2017 By Emile Deweaver

A group of San Quentin veterans joined some Shakespearean actors to portray the traumas they endured in war. Recently, over 30 guests came into San Quentin as our nation’s former heroes performed excerpts from their lives alongside Shakespearean actors. The veterans enacted their war traumas to show the cost of war on the country’s soul. “What we … [Read More...]

Discovering what it means to be human

January 31, 2017 By Juan Haines

A diverse troupe of men, dressed as usual in prison blue, broke away from the everyday constraints of incarceration through the artistic expression of dance and dialogue. San Quentin’s Artistic Ensemble put on its latest performance in the prison’s Protestant Chapel on Nov. 18 for an audience of about 150 that included the local community as well … [Read More...]

There’s sure a whole lot of talent at San Quentin

December 27, 2016 By Marcus Henderson

In reality TV show fashion, San Quentin residents demonstrated they “got talent,” at the Third Annual Talent and Karaoke event, sponsored by the San Quentin Music Program. As the Lower Yard filled, about 150 people crowded around a makeshift stage to be treated to ’80s-style music by former Club Nouveau member, now incarcerated Jeffery … [Read More...]

SQ Death Row holds poetry slam

November 27, 2016 By Juan Haines

A poetry slam helped 10 condemned men talk about the challenges they face living on San Quentin’s Death Row. They presented poems to prison administrators and custody staff on Sept. 7 and 14. There is a stereotype that “we have no redeeming qualities,” said Clifton Perry, 46. “Although a jury thought this, I will never accept that I have no … [Read More...]

Artistic talented artists to a packed house

November 27, 2016 By John Lam

Nineteen San Quentin men shared stories, music, dance and acting with a packed chapel audience to demonstrate how art has inspired transformative change and growth in their lives. Packed into wooden pews in the Catholic Chapel were over 200 San Quentin men and 70 outside guests for the event, entitled Artistic Rebirth. “The inspiration for this … [Read More...]

SQ Mural Artists Work to Beautify the Prison

October 20, 2016 By Wesley Eisiminger

San Quentin artists say they enjoy beautifying the prison with their talents. Their latest project is to create 16 huge mural panels for one of the prison’s dining halls. Each panel measures 7 feet high and 4 feet wide. The finished mural will be 64 feet long. “I’ve been at San Quentin for 12 years, and there are six members of the mural crew who … [Read More...]

London Gallery Exhibits Death Row’s Art and Poetry

September 1, 2016 By Tommy Winfrey

For most incarcerated individuals, prison is a difficult place to leave. But for a group of 20 men on San Quentin’s Death Row, a part of them made it over the walls of the prison and all the way to an art gallery in London. Between Friday, June 24, and Wednesday, July 6, the Made in Greenwich Gallery exhibited poetry and artwork from these men. The … [Read More...]

Christian Comedy Night Brings Laughter and Healing

September 1, 2016 By Marcus Henderson

The Protestant Chapel held its “First Christian Comedy Night,” which was filled with healing and laughter. The comedy fest featured seven diverse incarcerated men with different ethnicities and backgrounds. The common thread was how they process prison life through laughter. Deavon Torrance hosted and coordinated the event. He opened up the crowd … [Read More...]

The Spirit of Freedom II Concert Rocks SQ Lower Yard

September 1, 2016 By Marcus Henderson

The Spirit of Freedom II rock concert on The Lower Yard aimed to provide healing through music and it hit the target. The group Continuum rocked out with original music like “Make You Move,” a gritty song about making a woman dance to the music. Lyrics like, “I want to be there; I’ll never let you go and come and show it to me.” had the crowd of … [Read More...]

Juneteenth Celebration Held in Prison Chapel for First Time

August 10, 2016 By Marcus Henderson

San Quentin’s Rastafari Theater and Arts Ensemble team put on its first Juneteenth celebration in the Catholic Chapel on June 18. The team was founded by The House of the Lion of Judah Ecumenical Rastafari. The theme of the program was “The Day of Your Mind Emancipation.” Host and prisoner Shai Alkebu-lan greeted the crowd of about 80 men with one … [Read More...]

Musicians Showcase Talent for Juneteenth Celebration

August 10, 2016 By Marcus Henderson

  The San Quentin Music Program put on a Juneteenth Celebration on the Lower Yard this year. Juneteenth is the celebration of the final slaves being freed from Texas in 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. “This was a wonderful stress reliever,” said spectator Charles Ross. “It’s a lot of … [Read More...]

Inmates Showcase Musical Talents at Recital

July 1, 2016 By San Quentin News Staff

Inmate pianists and guitarists performed in a recital: Dancing with the Keys plus Bach, Beethoven and The Blues. San Quentin State Prison’s Catholic Chapel hosted the March 20 event for about 45 inmates and outside guests as students from the Arts-in-Corrections piano and guitar class displayed their talents. “Most students didn’t read music when … [Read More...]

Shakespeare Play a Hit with Prison Audience

July 1, 2016 By Rahsaan Thomas

A Court Jester’s comical version of the Harlem Shake dance and audience participation revamped Shakespeare’s play “As You Like It,” making it a hit with the San Quentin State Prison audience. “I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard at a Shakespeare play, and I’ve been to a lot of them,” said Samantha Armacost, a visiting audience member. “As You … [Read More...]

San Quentin Inmates Perform The Tempest

July 1, 2016 By Juan Haines

Inmate Nythell “Nate” Collins, 40, said acting lessons from Marin Shakespeare Company have helped him understand the human condition of oppression. “How did he come up with all this stuff?” Collins asked about Shakespeare. “What was his thought process so his work stayed with us all these years, especially with relationships? Shakespeare was a … [Read More...]

Naturally Talented Artist Began While Incarcerated

June 1, 2016 By Wesley Eisiminger

By Wesley Eisiminger Staff Writer Bruce Fowler turns his natural talent in drawing and painting into magnificent works of art. Fowler said he started drawing 16 years ago doing pencil drawings of seascapes when he was in a county jail. He never went to any class on drawing or paintings. “When I came to San Quentin from Ironwood, I started doing … [Read More...]

Marin Shakespeare Program Expands to CSP-Solano

June 1, 2016 By Harry C. Goodall Jr.

By Harry C. Goodall Jr. Journalism Guild Writer In the gymnasium of California State Prison-Solano, inmates donned costumes and recited lines of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream in April. The presentation was produced by Lesley Currier, managing director of Marin Shakespeare Company, a company that also arranges productions of Shakespeare at … [Read More...]

Donovan Inmates Write Shakespeare Play for San Diego University

June 1, 2016 By Harry C. Goodall Jr.

Students at San Diego State University performed a play, “I’M GOOD,” written by inmates at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD). “In my career, this is some of the best writing I’ve been involved with,” said James Pillar, a teaching artist with the Playwrights Project, reported San Diego Union-Tribune. Experience in theater isn’t new to … [Read More...]

Merle Haggard: San Quentin Parolee, Music Icon

May 1, 2016 By Tommy Winfrey

By Thomas Winfrey Art Editor “I turned 21 in prison doing life without parole,” music legend Merle Haggard sang in his famous 1968 hit “Mama Tried.” The song was Haggard’s public apology to a religious mother, Flossie Mae, and his acknowledgement that “she tried to raise (him) right.” Merle Ronald Haggard passed away on his birthday, April 6, 2016, … [Read More...]

Blues Quartet Sings Classics to Prisoners

April 1, 2016 By Juan Haines

On a Sunday night more than 100 men, most slightly older than your average prisoner, gathered in a chapel to hear a Blues Quartet brought into San Quentin State Prison by Lisa Starbird of Bread & Roses Presents. “We’re on to a great start,” said guitarist and singer Kurt Huget after playing “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “House of the Rising Sun” and … [Read More...]

Renown Photographer Shares Life Stories at SQ

April 1, 2016 By Eddie Herena

Pictures help people to understand and appreciate others, a noted Black photographer said in a recent visit to San Quentin State Prison. David Johnson said his black and white photos of San Francisco kids playing hop-scotch or young people dancing the night away not only portray the beauty of his medium, but were “designed to enlighten the world … [Read More...]

TEDx Displays Prisoners’ Extraordinary Artistic Skills

March 1, 2016 By Juan Haines

As a way to display the artistic talent inside prison, a miniature city based on the collective memories of more than a dozen incarcerated artists was exhibited at a Jan. 22 TEDx event, Life Revealed. The technology, entertainment and design event at San Quentin State Prison showcased “many incarcerated human beings who are starting their lives … [Read More...]

Art Program Helps Prisoners Transform Their Viewpoints

February 1, 2016 By Juan Haines

himself as “the dangerous one,” and in 1998, it became apparent after he committed a senseless murder that earned him a life sentence. Fast forward to 2016, now 36 years old, DeWeaver said that focusing on artistic expression empowered him to endure his 18 years of incarceration and ultimately to reconnect with his sense of humanity. “Through art, … [Read More...]

‘Music Is About Freedom,’ Naima Shalhoub Tells Prisoners

February 1, 2016 By Rahsaan Thomas

Naima Shalhoub and Marcus Shelby expressed the seven principles of Kwanzaa through their music at the fourth annual celebration inside San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel. “This is what music is: it’s about freedom; it’s about fellowship and sharing with community and what places need it the most,” said Shalhoub. Before a packed room, Shalhoub used her … [Read More...]

Prison University Project Students Display Talents

February 1, 2016 By Rahsaan Thomas

A prison chapel served as a theater on Christmas Eve when more than a dozen incarcerated college students took to the stage for an open mic. More than 150 guests were entertained by performances that included spoken word, original songs and testimonies of personal transformation. Carlos “Juancito” Meza performed two spoken word pieces, Sorry Son … [Read More...]

Actress Helen Hunt Looks Into Restorative Justice

January 1, 2016 By Tommy Winfrey

A familiar sight greeted many prisoners who have participated in group processing as they entered the Protestant Chapel on Nov. 20 to watch the show Faultline at San Quentin State Prison. The group circles were made up of prisoners and free people, but most notably the actress Helen Hunt. Each circle was made up of 11 individuals and resembled an … [Read More...]

Butterscotch Performs Live at SQ

January 1, 2016 By Rahsaan Thomas

San Quentin inmates packed into the prison’s Protestant Chapel on a recent December night for an intimate concert put on by musical artist Butterscotch. Butterscotch took the stage, guitar in hand, to play a five-song set. She earned several standing ovations for her performance, which showcased her jazzy voice. But the music didn’t stop there – … [Read More...]

Artist Rhona Bitner Visits San Quentin to Capture Its Memory

January 1, 2016 By Miguel Quezada

A respected artist visited San Quentin State Prison to take large-scale color photographs of the North Block Dining Hall where Johnny Cash performed in 1958 and recorded an album in 1969. “It means a lot to stand where Johnny Cash played as I reach the end of this nine-year project,” Rhona Bitner said. Bitner’s project, Listen, which images … [Read More...]

Jazz Fest, a Melting Pot of Musical Flavors

December 1, 2015 By Marcus Henderson

The San Quentin Gumbo Classic Jazz Fest on Oct. 17 served up spicy tunes and a mixture of musical flavors. The group We Just Came to Play headlined the show. It consists of lead guitarist Greg Dixon, drummer Dwight Krizman, bass Darryl Farris, Howard Milton on congas and volunteer Denali Gillaspie on keyboard. They performed eight original jazz … [Read More...]

Shakespeare Inspires Inmate Plays on Prison Life

December 1, 2015 By Juan Haines

A prison chapel served as a theater for San Quentin inmates as they revealed some of the hardest parts of prison life through performances inspired by Shakespearean plays. Inmates performed a total of 16 acts in their October showcase, “Parallel Play: Original Theater Inspired by Shakespeare,” in the San Quentin State Prison Protestant Chapel. … [Read More...]

Katya McCulloch’s Dedication to San Quentin Artwork

November 1, 2015 By Tommy Winfrey

For the last 11 years, Katya McCulloch has been teaching block printing at San Quentin State Prison. Over the years, she has figured out what works in a prison setting and what doesn’t when it comes to making prints. On most Friday mornings, McCulloch can be found in the San Quentin art studio teaching linoleum block cutting techniques, commonly … [Read More...]

Lower Yard Music Program Features ‘Spirit of Freedom Rockfest’

September 1, 2015 By Marcus Henderson

Michael Adams revealed how prison has affected his life when he sang an original song during a July 25 performance on San Quentin State Prison’s Lower Yard. “I wrote that song when I was in the hole, and everybody I trusted had left me,” Adams said. “I prayed to God to change my focus.” Adams said he was able to perform the song after fellow inmate … [Read More...]

Public Gets Rare Glimpse of Art in Prison

August 1, 2015 By Tommy Winfrey

On June 19 San Quentin was transformed into an international art gallery as part of a four-day art conference held primarily at the University of San Francisco on “Arts in Corrections – Opportunities for Justice and Rehabilitation.” More than 75 of the conference attendees came to the prison to hear performing artists read poetry and to view visual … [Read More...]

Juneteenth Celebration Rocks the Yard

August 1, 2015 By Marcus Henderson

It was all about spreading love at the Funk on the Green Juneteenth celebration. Juneteenth is about the remembrance of the slaves in Texas finally hearing in 1865 that they were free. When the sun finally broke through the clouds, over 100 inmates gather to watch the event. “This is our Memorial and Independence Day. It’s good to see that … [Read More...]

Focus on Arts Boosts Grades and Later Success

July 1, 2015 By John Lam

Students who are trained in the arts perform better in school and enjoy a greater chance of success as adults, a study for the National Endowment for the Arts concludes. “Students who have arts-rich experiences in school do better across-the-board academically, and they also become more active and engaged citizens, voting, volunteering, and … [Read More...]

Julius Caesar and Macbeth Entertain 600 Guests

July 1, 2015 By Juan Haines

In a week’s span, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar and Macbeth were performed at San Quentin State Prison for audiences that totaled more than 600 guests including community members, prison staff and fellow inmates. Lesley Currier and Suraya Keating of the Marin Shakespeare Company have been directing plays inside San Quentin for 12 years. They work … [Read More...]

Music, Spoken Word, Poetry, Comedy…All Flourish at S.Q.’s First Lower Yard Show

July 1, 2015 By Juan Haines

A talent show on the Lower Yard of San Quentin State Prison on May 31 was the first of what is planned as an annual event on the Lower Yard. Acts included spoken word, poetry, music and comedy. The crowd erupted in applause when Billy Hazelton and Jens O. Brazwell took to the stage and performed classic Rhythm and Blues. Brazwell said that he has … [Read More...]

Beloved Artist Rene Garcia Jr. Passes Away

June 1, 2015 By Tommy Winfrey

San Quentin lost a valued member of the community on May 8. Teacher, multimedia artist and friend to many behind the walls of San Quentin, Rene Garcia Jr. passed away. Garcia was born on July 9, 1973, and leaves behind his wife, Holly, two young children and a mother and sister who live in Arizona. Best known outside the walls of San Quentin for … [Read More...]

Francisco Vargas Finds That Getting Back Into Prison Can Be as Hard as Getting Out

June 1, 2015 By Tommy Winfrey

Artist and ex-convict Francisco Vargas returned to San Quentin to talk to a group of men about his successes and failures in life. But his return to the historic prison did not go as planned. Getting out of prison can be rather difficult; just ask any lifer. For Vargas, getting back in proved just as difficult. Stopped at the gate for wearing the … [Read More...]

USF Students Perform Restorative Messages

May 1, 2015 By Rahsaan Thomas

A group of San Francisco college students and jail inmates presented a performance art show exploring mass incarceration and restorative justice issues. Dance, music, spoken words, and an original score performed and composed by Jeffery Atkins, a local musician and composer, were the medium used to deliver their restorative message. The University … [Read More...]

Day of Peace Brings Art to the Lower Yard

May 1, 2015 By Tommy Winfrey

For the last two years, the Day of Peace committee has brought art to the San Quentin yard. On April 25 artists created acrylic paintings on canvas board to display their ideas of peace. Each painting was dedicated to a self-help group or program at San Quentin. Some artists painted while out on the yard, which added an artsy vibe to the music from … [Read More...]

Jazz Legend Frank Morgan Honored in Featured Documentary

May 1, 2015 By Kevin Sawyer

Legendary jazz saxophone player Frank Morgan was honored for a second time at San Quentin State Prison. Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story, a documentary film, was shown in the prison’s Protestant Chapel in April. In 2012, jazz icons paid tribute to Morgan in a live performance to a packed audience of inmates, staff, and outside guests. … [Read More...]

PUP’s Art History Class Takes a Field Trip

April 1, 2015 By Tommy Winfrey

A college class consisting of prisoners going on a field trip inside the prison is almost impossible to imagine, but Patten University at San Quentin’s Art History class did just that. Thanks to the generosity of the artists housed inside San Quentin, students were able to view artwork first hand in the prison’s art studio. Kara Urion, Program … [Read More...]

San Quentin’s Iconic Painter Alfredo Santos Dies at 87

April 1, 2015 By Tommy Winfrey

Alfredo Santos, a San Quentin legend, died at the age of 87, at 6:15 a.m. at Jacob Healthcare in San Diego on Friday, March 15. Famed for his creation of the murals in San Quentin’s South Dining Hall, Santos gained recognition for this work in 2003 when he returned to the prison to view the work he completed almost 50 years prior. Santos won a … [Read More...]

Jai Uttal Performs ‘Music From the Heart’

January 1, 2015 By Gino Sevacos

The Music from the Heart devotional concert services hosted Grammy-nominated artist Jai Uttal in the Catholic Chapel for the fourth time on Dec. 7. Those who attended were encouraged to chant sacred Sanskrit mantras along with the musicians. According to Jai, “Mantras mean that which transforms the mind. When we sing mantras, the mind comes back to … [Read More...]

Artist Ned Axthelm Shares Artistic Talents With the San Quentin Community

January 1, 2015 By Tommy Winfrey

His Mother Encouraged Him to Make Art With Visits to Museums Ned Axthelm says he finds it rewarding to teach San Quentin and Solano prisoners the fine points of artistic painting. “I like that art can enrich someone’s life and that enrichment can be in different ways for different people. But there are still similarities amongst the differences, … [Read More...]

Guests Hear 19 Gifted Writers At Ninth Annual ‘Brothers in Pen’ Eventl

January 1, 2015 By Rahsaan Thomas

On a warm, sunny Saturday in November, more than 60 guests from outside the prison traversed the lower yard – past a football game, a basketball game and men doing pushups and stretches – to the ARC building to attend the ninth annual “Brothers in Pen” public reading. This event, introduced by creative writing instructor Zoe Mullery and with … [Read More...]

Original Production of Waterline Calls Forth a Standing Ovation

December 31, 2014 By Tommy Winfrey

Art often imitates life, and when executed well, an audience is able to draw connections between the performance and reality through the power of the narrative. On Oct. 4, the original prison production of Waterline did just that. Waterline is an interpretative performance utilizing modern dance and dramatic monologue. Based on the life stories of … [Read More...]

SQ's Inmate Radio Crew Honored With Award

December 31, 2014 By Krissi Khokhobashvili

Stories of hope, recovery and rehabilitation are hitting the airwaves thanks to an inmate-run radio program at San Quentin. Now in its third year, the hardworking San Quentin Prison Report (SQPR) radio crew can now say they are an award-winning radio station. The inmates, staff and volunteers who create the program were honored with a Society of … [Read More...]

Photos Retrieved From the San Quentin Archives Enhanced and Displayed at the Haines Gallery

November 30, 2014 By Tommy Bryant

A group of San Quentin inmates has pushed the limits of how art may be defined. Participants of the San Quentin Prison Report Archive Project took archived photos of San Quentin’s past and added commentary. Their unique results were on display at the Haines Gallery in San Francisco from Sept. 4 through Nov. 1. Artist Nigel Poor, along with Shadeed … [Read More...]

Musicians Premal and Miten Perform For a Packed House at San Quentin

November 30, 2014 By Gino Sevacos

Several hundred inmates packed the San Quentin Catholic Chapel, chanting sacred mantras with Deva Premal and her band. “Spirituality is our theme. Mantras are powerful and they reach out,” Premal and partner Miten said later. “We offer tools for meditation and inner peace so that the energy of the mind can be channeled in a good way. Music with … [Read More...]

Three Prison Bands Perform Their Unique Musical Talents on the Lower Yard

November 30, 2014 By Juan Haines

Three inmate bands filled the air with their unique music on a Saturday morning in San Quentin’s Lower Yard. In the midst of tennis matches, basketball games and inmates observing the weekend, hundreds throughout the yard on Sept. 13 were listening to the hip-hop and rock sounds of Contagious, Morris & Mason and Human Condition. “This was the … [Read More...]

Brothers in Pen Project Gives Voice Through Writings at the Yerba Buena Arts Center

November 30, 2014 By Leslie Lakes

Every Wednesday San Quentin inmates assemble to write and share prose and poetry, forming a group known as the Brothers In Pen. These creative writers are part of an ongoing project that publishes anthologies of prisoners’ writing. This September at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Zoe Mullery, who facilitates Brothers In Pen, shared the … [Read More...]

Couple Retires After Decades Performing In Prisons

October 29, 2014 By Kenneth R. Brydon

For uncounted thousands of prisoners across America, a performance by harpist Linda Rice was a chance to listen and see something completely unexpected, entertaining and inspiring. Linda is known as “The Harp Lady” in hundreds of prisons across the country. Her husband, Willis, accompanied her on concert trips, hauling her blue harp in an aging van … [Read More...]

‘DARKNESS IN THE GOLDEN STATE’

October 29, 2014 By Leslie Lakes

A well-attended fundraising event sponsored by Legal Services For Prisoners With Children (LSPC) was held in August at the Luggage Room Gallery on Market Street in San Francisco. LSPC is a nonprofit organization located at 1540 Market St. in San Francisco. Its main mission is to organize communities impacted by the criminal justice system and … [Read More...]

Music Legend Collaborates Prisoners

October 29, 2014 By Juan Haines

R&B and jazz music filled the air as more than 300 head-bopping, finger-snapping inmates took in the sounds of two inmate bands performing on the Lower Yard of San Quentin State Prison. Inmates crowded near the stage to hear Bread and Roses guitarist Gail Muldrow join in with the bands on Aug. 16. Two weeks before, Muldrow played at San … [Read More...]

San Quentin Celebrates Annual Day of Peace

September 29, 2014 By Juan Haines

Eight years ago, a race riot on the Lower Yard of San Quentin State Prison prompted a multiracial group of men, most serving life sentences, to form the Day of Peace committee. The men said the Day of Peace was established to show inmates that there are ways to reject violence and support peace. “Open dialogue, violence prevention workshops and … [Read More...]

Inspiring Performance Held in Catholic Chapel

September 27, 2014 By Aaron Taylor

The night felt more like being at Yoshi’s in Jack London Square in Oakland than the Chapel of the Rosary in San Quentin State Prison. Lee Jaspar, accompanied by members of The Jazz Band, Dwight Krizman and Greg Dixon, played “Theta Bop,” an up-tempo original song to close an exciting night of beginning and accomplished pianist recitals. “I’m … [Read More...]

Artist Spends Prison Time Sharing His Many Talents and Experiences

September 27, 2014 By Kevin Sawyer

Noted musician David Jassy shares his music production knowledge, performance talent and experience with the men at San Quentin since arriving as an inmate one year ago. The artist, songwriter and music producer had a song nominated for a Swedish Grammy Award in the best dance category in 1999. Jassy, 40, was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden. … [Read More...]

$2.5 Million Awarded to Arts-in-Corrections Programs

September 27, 2014 By Tommy Winfrey

After an absence of more than 11 years, Arts-in-Corrections programs are returning to California prisons. On June 3, the California Arts Council awarded contracts to service providers to operate art programs in 14 state prisons. The seven contracts totaling almost $800,000 were awarded from a $1 million commitment made by the California Department … [Read More...]

SoVoSo Entertain Prisoners in San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel

September 27, 2014 By Michael Cooke

The nationally touring acappella ensemble SoVoSo brought its unique improvisational style to San Quentin’s Catholic Chapel on Sunday, June 22. The group’s name is a derivative of “from the Soul to Voice to Song.” They describe themselves as vocalists who “imitate musical instruments.” Group members: drums (Dave), bass (Brian), lead guitar (Zoe), … [Read More...]

Hip-Hop Artists Locked Out For Second Time at S.Q.’s Day of Peace Event

August 26, 2014 By CHRISTOPHER SCHUMACHER

For some guys, coming to prison was a fast process. Do the crime ... then do the time. However, for a group of up-and -coming hip-hop artists from the East Coast known as the Coalition, getting inside San Quentin has been extremely difficult. For two years in a row, the Coalition has accepted an invitation to play at the annual Day of Peace event. … [Read More...]

Alcatraz Presents a Theatrical Play: ‘In the Kitchen With a Knife’

August 26, 2014 By San Quentin News Contributor

It was the first time I had ever been to Alcatraz and I was so excited, especially because this was to be no ordinary tourist trip by ferry across the choppy waters to the infamous “Rock.” I was traveling with a group of people who had purchased tickets from the William James Association to attend a special performance of the play “In the Kitchen … [Read More...]

Prisoners and Marin Shakespeare Collaborate In Modern Version of ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’

August 26, 2014 By Juan Haines

Dozens of Bay Area community members came inside San Quentin State Prison on June 25, mingling with nearly 100 convicted criminals to watch a Shakespearean play performed by inmate/actors, working with interns from The Marin Shakespeare Company. “When the interns first got here, they watched us with nervousness. But, by the end of it, they come … [Read More...]

San Quentin Prisoners Share Their Talents at The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts’ Exhibit

July 26, 2014 By Tommy Winfrey

Artists behind the walls of San Quentin have blurred the boundaries of community. Artwork from the men who take part in the art classes sponsored by the William James Association in San Quentin will make its way into a prominent San Francisco arts center beginning July 18. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is holding its triennial art exhibit … [Read More...]

Musician Mark Hummel Provides Advice and Entertainment to the Men in Blue

July 26, 2014 By Kevin Sawyer

The blues harmonica is not heard often in modern society’s pop music. The prison subculture is no exception, but that did not hinder harmonica blues man Mark Hummel, 58, from performing and discussing music with about two dozen inmates on a recent visit to San Quentin State Prison. During the two-hour performance, Hummel talked about the blues and … [Read More...]

San Quentin’s Rec Supervisor Don ‘Coach’ DeNevi Displays His Creativity Through Painting

June 25, 2014 By Tommy Winfrey

By Tommy Winfrey Don “Coach” DeNevi, 76, has been supervising the recreation department at San Quentin since December of 2001, and although he says he loves his job, he can’t live without his art. “Whenever I go home each day after working with my inmates on crisis after crisis, I paint. I must paint!” exclaimed DeNevi. Growing up on the south side … [Read More...]

Tony Saunders Displays Musical Talents on the Lower Yard

June 25, 2014 By Kevin Sawyer

On an evening in April, bassist Tony Saunders, 58, gave a memorable performance for some of the men at San Quentin State Prison. He also discussed music, demonstrated his playing style and talked about his own road to recovery. A dozen inmates who attend a weekly guitar workshop listened to Saunders play his custom bass and discuss his career … [Read More...]

Rising

June 25, 2014 By R. Calix

By Raphael Calix As an angelic force in the world With everlasting traces of love The encouragement over bigotry and hatred We hear you loud and clear, Dear “Maya” Marching proudly through the old neighborhoods With filaments into our hearts Overcoming the blight of racism We found safety in her bosom Mute-yet alertly listening to “Maya’s” … [Read More...]

POETRY CORNER

May 25, 2014 By San Quentin News Contributor

Convict, A Way Of Life Outside there is peace, but that doesn’t concern me, for I’m confined within these walls, walls of misery. I slipped on the outs and this is where I fell. Into this whistle blowing, bell ringing, man-made, barred earthy hell. Each morning I wake and I curse the light. Indicative of the beginning, another daily fight. A fight … [Read More...]

San Quentin Inmates Embrace Yoga

May 25, 2014 By Rahsaan Thomas

Yoga classes are so popular at San Quentin that some prisoners improvise to find a place to practice. One of those prisoners is Bruce “Rahsaan” Banks, who leads a small group of inmates in yoga in the gym on Saturday and Sunday mornings, which are the only days it is open. “I caught people’s interest, who noticed I knew exactly what I was doing. … [Read More...]

John Brown’s Play Revisits Slavery And Liberation in San Quentin

April 24, 2014 By Juan Haines

There was standing room only in San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel on Feb. 28 to watch “John Brown’s Body”—a documentary about a play of the same name centered on Stephen Vincent Benet’s 1928 epic poem about slavery and liberation in the Civil War era. The documentary premiered last year, but this was the first time that it was shown in San … [Read More...]

Prison Art On Display for Good Causes

April 24, 2014 By John C. Eagan

Tucked away in prison cells across America are talented artists who are working to turn their lives around and help make the world a better place, says a lady who is exhibiting inmate-produced animal paintings and drawings. “I would like the show to provoke questions on the part of the viewing public to challenge their preconceived (ideas) about … [Read More...]

Four S. Q. Bands Debut at Music Lockdown Concert

April 24, 2014 By Malik Harris

Four San Quentin bands made their public debut Feb. 8 in a fun-filled night. Two bands from Marin County performed a benefit concert at the Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley alongside videos of the prison bands. Music Lockdown, a Benefit for the Prison Arts Program ,featured This Old Earthquake and Beso Negro. The concert included a filmed … [Read More...]

POETRY CORNER

April 24, 2014 By San Quentin News Contributor

My Secret Place By Mike Wolke There’s a secret place inside my head Where no one’s allowed to go. There, stands a guard, a wee small ogre A neon sign and a single world of “No.” This secret place is neither good nor bad But, belongs to me alone. I hide my precious treasures there Within this chambered zone. Once I thought I’d share this place With … [Read More...]

Healing Squad Helps Rehabilitate Elderly Inmates Through Art

April 24, 2014 By Juan Haines

Caregivers from the University of Southern California made their way inside San Quentin on March 7, bringing a sense of community to a small group of aging prisoners. The four women, known as the Healing Squad, was led by Aileen Hongo and co-facilitated by Jill Asars, Bethany Davis, and Angela Craddock. The eclectic group of women hail from all … [Read More...]

S.Q. Officer P. Jo Showcases Hidden Photo Talent

February 23, 2014 By Tommy Winfrey

Officer P. Jo, 34, is putting his talents to good use. His picture of San Quentin was selected to be the image for the 2014 San Quentin calendar. He says, “It feels great that the administration selected my photo, but most of my thanks must go to San Quentin Office Technician Raphaele Casale because she is the one who pushed me.” Jo, who has been … [Read More...]

Prison Humor Highlights PUP’s Annual Open Mic Event

February 23, 2014 By Juan Haines

Tommy Winfrey read a selected chapter from a memoir, The Things I Peed On, and had a crowd of about 100 inmates grabbing their sides with laughter, as San Quentin’s Prison University Project held its annual open mic. Aaron Taylor, also known as The Show, had the audience yelling, “Aw hell no!” to his descriptions of silly inmate behavior. Angel … [Read More...]

Pianist Sarah Cahill Honors Former San Quentin Inmate With a Concert in the Protestant Chapel

February 23, 2014 By Kevin Sawyer

A concert honoring former San Quentin inmate Henry Cowell drew an eclectic crowd of inmates and outside visitors to San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel. Performers included concert pianist Sarah Cahill and the Ives String Quartet. Cowell “was very prolific for a person who only had one hour a week to play the piano” while in prison, said Cahill. He had … [Read More...]

Pretend That You Could Go Back in Time

February 23, 2014 By Angelo Falcone

It would probably be frightening for someone from the future to appear before us and provide a message about what is to come and then disappear. However, what if that message was a warning that we should change our course or suffer dire consequences? Would we listen? Would we change our minds? On the other hand, would we dismiss it as nothing more … [Read More...]

S.Q. and Marin Shakespeare Collaborate On Play Inspired by ‘Merchant of Venice’

December 22, 2013 By Tommy Winfrey

As the fog descended upon San Quentin in the early hours of Nov. 8, anxiety rose among the men and women waiting to enter the gates of San Quentin to see “Parallel Play: Stories from San Quentin Inspired by ‘The Merchant of Venice.’” Several weeks ago, the play was canceled because of an institutional lockdown. On this day, the play was delayed due … [Read More...]

William James Association Promotes S.Q. Arts Project

November 22, 2013 By Boston Woodard

The William James Association (WJA) is an organization that promotes work services in the arts, environment, and education. In addition, community development currently provides the Prison Arts Project for prisoners. “The biggest thing about the Prison Arts Project is it’s inspiring,” said Laurie Brooks, Executive Director of the William James … [Read More...]

Film Crew Director Offers Views of Mural Artist Alfredo Santos

November 22, 2013 By Tommy Winfrey

San Quentin recently hosted a film crew capturing footage of art and artist behind the legendary walls. The film crew came to San Quentin to make a documentary about Alfredo Santos, the artist who created the South Dining Hall murals. The crew’s director, Paul Sutton, made the first documentary about prisons in 1980 titled Doing Time. Doing Time … [Read More...]

What Would a San Quentin Superhero Do?

October 20, 2013 By Angelo Falcone

Many things are observed during the month of October: National Domestic Violence Awareness, National Breast Cancer Awareness, National Diversity Awareness, National Popcorn Month, Dia de la Raza on the 12th, Columbus Day on the second Monday, and Boss’s Day on the 16th. However, one of the most popular is on the 31st, Halloween. People love to … [Read More...]

Artist Amy Ho Brings Creativity to San Quentin

October 19, 2013 By Tommy Winfrey

For the past year, the Thursday Prison Art Project class has had the opportunity to learn from artist, Amy M. Ho. Ho, 30, comes from Chicago and studied art in the Bay Area. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley in Art Practice and a Masters of Fine Arts degree from Mills College. She now works on … [Read More...]

Healing Through Performance Art

October 19, 2013 By Tommy Winfrey

The Insight Prison Project (IPP) known for its restorative justice groups such as the Victims Offenders Education Group is not normally associated with the art community at San Quentin. However, IPP has recently introduced a new group, The Artistic Ensemble. The Artistic Ensemble centers on performance art and writing. Tristan Jones, 30, has been a … [Read More...]

Prisoners’ Artwork on Display At San Francisco City Library

September 19, 2013 By Richard Lindsey

In San Francisco, a city known for its artistic and cultural diversity, two unique art exhibits in the city’s public library displayed dozens of works created by incarcerated artists and drew positive reviews from the public. From June 15 through September 1, the exhibits, On the Line and Book Art from Arts-in-Corrections, showcased artwork created … [Read More...]

San Quentin Has a Rich History of Artwork

September 19, 2013 By Tommy Winfrey

Many people are unaware of San Quentin’s rich history of artwork. There are murals abound through out the institution that catalog California’s history, along with the prison’s. The best-known artworks are in the South Dinning Hall. Six 100-foot murals span the long walls of the chow hall and illustrate images of California. Artist, Alfredo Santos … [Read More...]

Teaching at San Quentin for Over 25 Years

August 16, 2013 By Tommy Winfrey

Pat Maloney, 75, has been teaching art at San Quentin for more than 25 years. Maloney spent the first three years of his career at San Quentin interacting exclusively with the men on Death Row. It was horrifying to know the guys on the row have a limited possibility with their future,” Maloney said. For those on Death Row who spend most of their … [Read More...]

‘San Quentin Report Hits Air Waves

August 16, 2013 By Tommy Winfrey

Over half a century has passed since voices from San Quentin were broadcast on a regular basis over the radio waves. San Quentin returns to radio with the San Quentin Prison Report, a new program created by inmate Troy Williams and his crew (Curtis Carroll, Tommy “Shakur” Ross, Sha Wallace-Stepter, Brian Asey, Greg Eskridge, and Earlonne Woods). … [Read More...]

S.Q. Creative Writing Class Does a New Anthology

August 16, 2013 By Boston Woodard

INMATES SHOWCASE THEIR WORK AT THE ANNUAL PUBLIC READING Despite massive cuts in prison arts programs throughout the state, some arts programs managed to survive. Teacher Zoe Mullery and her San Quentin Creative Writing Class, produced another outstanding anthology for this year’s Annual Public Reading. Approximately 40 outside guests attended this … [Read More...]

Nigel Poor’s Passion for Photography

July 15, 2013 By Tommy Winfrey

In the nearly three years Nigel Poor, 50, has been volunteering in San Quentin, her perceptions about life have broadened. “I have been privileged to see the people some of society considers invisible,” she said. Poor is an artist who has tenure at Sacramento State, where she has taught photography for the last 10 years. She started teaching an art … [Read More...]

Dramatic Arts Inside Prisons

July 15, 2013 By Boston Woodard

In the late 1960s, San Quentin prisoner Rick Cluchey wrote a play called, The Cage. After a successful run through out the country, it was made into WEEDS, the box office hit movie staring Nick Nolte. Theater groups have produced plays within the prison system for decades. For example, in the 1980s, a full-fledged production of Samuel Beckett’s … [Read More...]

Photo by Eddie Herena, SQN

‘Painted Ladies of San Quentin’ Novel Debuts This Summer

June 15, 2013 By Tommy Winfrey

The Painted Ladies of San Quentin, the latest graphic novel from artist Jason Lenox, is scheduled for release this summer in the anthology UGLI STUDIO PRESENTS #2. San Quentin News was given an exclusive sneak peak of the graphic novel’s manuscript, as well as an interview with Lenox. The artwork of the new novel is visually stunning and includes … [Read More...]

‘The Merchant of Venice’ Takes Center Stage

June 15, 2013 By San Quentin News Staff

The San Quentin Protestant Chapel was transformed into a Shakespeare stage with inmates and free volunteer actors before an audience of about 300 prisoners and free people for the performance of The Merchant of Venice. “These men show Shakespeare matters to the way they’re living. It really matters,” said Sean Keilen. “I expected to be moved by the … [Read More...]

Prisoners Who Love Music

April 14, 2013 By Angelo Falcone

Many of the men at San Quentin love music. “Asked on the Line” conducted 23 random, informal interviews with men in blue and asked, “What is your favorite type of music, favorite artist, and favorite song?” Most have a favorite type of music. Some had two or three favorite types, and a few claimed to like all types of music. The top three answers … [Read More...]

San Quentin Jazz Concert Honors Black History Month

March 13, 2013 By Boston Woodard

The Soulful Sounds of Seasoned Ensembles Toes were tapping and hands were clapping as a standing-room-only San Quentin audience celebrated Black History Month with a live jazz concert. “It’s been quite some time since I’ve heard live jazz music,” said James Jenkins. “What I witnessed today rivals any music performance I saw out in the free world. … [Read More...]

Johnny Cash: Legendary Prison Reform Advocate

March 13, 2013 By Boston Woodard

Country music star Johnny Cash spent years performing for prisoners all over America, including San Quentin, becoming a fervent and outspoken voice for prisoners’ rights. Cash’s first prison concert was at the Huntsville State Prison in Texas in 1957. Cash’s most famous prison performances occurred in the 1960s when he recorded live albums at … [Read More...]

Musicians Honor Jazz Artist

November 8, 2012 By JulianGlenn Padgett

It was a night of music when a San Quentin prisoner took the stage with several renowned musicians to pay tribute to former inmate and jazz artist Frank Morgan, who died last year. The Protestant Chapel was filled with sound on Oct. 12 when prisoner and jazz pianist Reginald Ausin performed with bass player Ron Carter, alto saxophonists Grace Kelly … [Read More...]

Prisoners Benefit From Artist’s Workshop

November 8, 2012 By ADAM BARBOZA

Renowned artist David Leffel spent two days teaching San Quentin inmates the fine points of painting with oils. “Most beginners try to transfer what they see on to canvas with exactness, and that’s not a reality,” Leffel told the students. “Don’t get stuck in the middle, where you can’t see where you’re going, worrying too much about details,” he … [Read More...]

Actors Relate Personal Stories in Famed Hamlet Play

September 6, 2012 By San Quentin News Contributor

The Hebrew prayer sung by Julian Glenn Padgett rang through the auditorium just inside San Quentin State Prison’s gates. It opened Padgett’s performance that included songs such as “My Girl” by The Temptations, sung to a swaying crowd, and a performance in which he told his childhood memories to a tearful audience. At age 5, Padgett’s mother … [Read More...]

Volunteer Instructor Lauds Art in Prison

September 5, 2012 By ADAM BARBOZA

Thursday mornings you’ll find prison art project manager Carol Newborg supervising her open studio class in “Arts in Corrections,” where San Quentin prisoners work to create works of art in various mediums. Newborg began working with artists in 1985 at the California Institute for Women at Norco. She recently began her open studio class at San … [Read More...]

Rupa and The April Fishes

August 5, 2012 By CHRISFINO KENYATTA LEAL

POPULAR LATIN BAND PERFORMS DURING DAY OF PEACE EVENT Wow! Who are those guys? That was the buzz around San Quentin when the April 28 Day of Peace featured the captivating music of Rupa and The April Fishes. The April Fishes’ Latin sound had prisoners’ head bopping and dancing around the yard. The sound was different from the usual prison bands, … [Read More...]

Hamlet Production Captivates Crowd

July 5, 2012 By Christopher Christensen

More than 300 people packed the San Quentin Garden Chapel in June, transforming the space into a Danish castle awash with Hamlet’s anguish and anger over the murder of his father. For approximately three hours, Suraya Keating and Lesley Currier of Marin Shakespeare Company treated prisoners and outside guests to a masterfully directed rendition of … [Read More...]

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