Photographs by Ansel Adams and other noted artists were featured in the recent Art Appreciation class taught by San Quentin’s Prison University Project.
Instructors Nigel Poor and Doug Dertinger focused on the history and power of images through the medium of photography.
The teachers are professional photographers and teachers at California State University in Sacramento.
“Photography can help us talk about taboo topics like addiction,” said Poor, who holds a master’s degree in fine arts. “It’s a legitimate way to visually describe the world around us. It gives you a way to connect with people.”
The San Diego Balboa Park museum featured her photographs.
“I have always had an interest in disregarded objects,” Poor said. “My exhibit show-cased 287, one to three-inch size photos of flies, the small photos hung on strings attached to the ceiling.”
The Harpswell Anchor, the Photo Metro, and the San Francisco Chronicle have featured Poor’s photographs. An upcoming exhibit will feature books banned from schools, towns and other countries.
Student Curtis Roberts said he now looks at photographs differently. For example, photos in the prison’s visiting area are supposed to be a special moment between prisoners and their families, but he said the backdrop of the Golden Gate takes away from that.
“Photography has become one of the most common ways we communicate with one another,” Dertinger said. He said the popularity of cell phone cameras has caused people to compromise the quality of photos because of the cell phone accessibility.
“With technology, we are more interested in the now, not quality; we want quality but we don’t want to do repetition,” said Dertinger.
Dertinger has been teaching photography since 2000 and his works have been featured in New Orleans’ Home Front Gallery. In class, his lectures detailed how images have molded American history.
“Pictures take us to places where many of us can’t travel, to thousands of places where we can’t go,” said Aly Tamboura a class member. “Images are in every aspect of our lives, from advertising to movies to images of our family.”
www.prisonuniversityproject.org
A Message of Love by a Unique Production
Hitland brought its annual production of “The Grave Robber” back to San Quentin with a message of love and the question of what will you do with your life after death.
As men filed into the foyer of the Protestant Chapel they were met by a large portrait of a young man and on the portrait read 1988-2011.
EERIE SOUND
The eerie sound of an organ played as men in blue shirts accented with white carnations escorted inmates into the candle-lit sanctuary. As the ceremony began, a family sat in the front row weeping and mourning.
Derrick Holloway said, “I sensed a feeling of finality each step I took, I wondered if this is for real.”
A priest stood and prayed and gave a eulogy while a somber feeling hovered over the audience.
Garvis Brown, who played the priest, became a member of the Hitland team after visiting his brother behind the glass at San Quentin for 14 years.
BROTHERS AND SISTERS
“God has shown me that people need to come in and present themselves as brothers and sisters,” said Brown. “People need to heal themselves from bitterness and anger toward inmates.”
Team said they feel their production serves the inmate population.
Ryan Rhoads played the best friend of Tommy, a young man facing life after death. “Jesus said, He came to give us life in John 10:10; it doesn’t say He came to tell us how horrible we are.”
The production raised issues of life after death, adding a message of love. As graphic images progress through Tommy’s childhood and adulthood, the audience looked at the big screen attentively as he faces the consequences of his poor choices.
Brad Walker, founder of Hitland Productions, is known at San Quentin as the “hot dog man” because he passes out free hot dogs to inmates.
THREE THINGS
“Hitland is about three things: preaching the Gospel, raising people up in the ministry, and breaking down the walls. This is a psychological thriller that invites the audience into its production. The point is to blur the reality of realness and production,” Walker said. “We’re assaulting your mind to crack open your heart. The choices you make in life will affect your after life.”
Hitland Productions is preparing for another day of hot dogs and live entertainment for the month of July.
The team includes Brad Walker, Marti Walker, Ken Brown, Lorraine, Ryan Rhoades and Garvis Brown.
Asian Theater Classes Promote Racial Unity
During the fall semester, Patten University offered a course in Asian- and African-American Theater. The African lessons were later dropped due to the professors scheduling therefore Asian theater became the main focus.
Terry Park taught the classes. He is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of California at Davis. Park has been involved in theater throughout his high school and college years. He started his own off-Broadway production group, Vassar, that featured a show called “38th Parallel.”
The production group focused on ethic diversity and presented acting opportunities for people of color. The show was picked up by Pan Asian Repertoire Theater. Park introduced his students to Kilusan Bautista, who is a hip-hop theater actor. Bautista also uses theater to advocate for racial unity.
Bautista was raised in San Francisco and moved to New York to promote his one-man theater act. He is currently promoting his act throughout California college campuses.
With a live D.J. on turntables, Bautista dances and single-handedly portrays multiple characters. He re-enacts the episodes he experienced growing up in an Filipino-American family with an alcoholic father.
Bautista’s father pressured him to learn to speak Tagalog, even though his father did not speak the language himself. He struggled with the trauma of living in a dysfunctional home. Bautista found solace through the hip-hop he heard in his African-American community of Sunnydale in San Francisco.
He had finally found a creative outlet that allowed him to represent his Filipino heritage.
While performing before a classroom of Patten theater students, Bautista grabbed the attention of his small audience. Accompanied by a CD playing on a boom box, he ran in circles, bowed as if to the sun, and did stomp tribal-type movements as flutes echoed throughout the classroom. His performance wowed the audience.
VISIBLE PASSION
Theater student Phoeun You stated, “You can really see his passion. I like the way he just stepped out of the box… he made something out of nothing.”
During Bautista’s performance he was forced to improvise as the CD often skipped.
Bautista took his life experiences of being raised in a dysfunctional home to the stage. However, he said his family sharply opposed the idea due to Asian family codes of secrecy. He said he feels that by sharing his life experience, it inspires others to do the same.
J.C. Cavitt was a theater student and audience member who watched in awe as Bautista performed. Cavitt is also a theater performer for the Protestant Chapel drama team. Cavitt stated, “By watching his performance, I was really inspired. It inspired me enough to start thinking about doing a one-man performance myself. I’ve even jotted down some ideas. By watching him do it, I know I can do it too.”
Bautista said he is fully aware of the power of influence that theater has on others. “It starts with the heart. When you have a message, you have to be real about it. There is no one else to blame. The responsibility is intense,” he said.
UC Berkeley Professor Shares His Love Of Writing With S.Q. Prisoners
Poetry professor Geoffrey O’Brien shares his love of writing with San Quentin inmates as a volunteer English teacher for the Prison University Project.
O’Brien is the professor of creative writing at the University of California at Berkeley. His poetry has been published in UC’s 2002 anthology, “The Guns and Flags Project.” He is also a member of the Poetry Society of America.
He considers the ‘70’s and ‘80’s old school hip-hop to be the original form of “rap poetry.” O’Brien has introduced his U.C. Berkeley students to this idea and has invited them to analyze the lyrics of conscious rappers such as Africa Bombatta, Rakim, and Public Enemy.
In an interview, he made these comments:
How does one become a poet?
I think that becoming a serious writer requires reading just about everything that has come before you. Otherwise, you might just reproduce what’s already been done rather than contribute something new.
Poetry apparently has a large and diverse readership with a wide range of preferences for different styles of poetry. How can a poet stand out and appeal to readers? What are people looking for?
People are looking for poetry that’s partially familiar and partially surprising.
How can a prisoner who is not a part of society get his poetry voice heard by people on the other side of the wall?
Obviously, publication is important because it allows you to be in many places at once. Literature is a form of remote communication. Publication is a great tool for making inmates voice audible in a culture that mostly tries not to hear them.
Why do you think people are attracted to poetry?
I think people go to poetry to find relief from social speech instead of commands and small talk you encounter rhythm and shocking metaphor.
What do you suggest San Quentin poets do to stay abreast of the latest trends in poetry?
Learn what the state of the art is from poetry journals and then submit your pieces.
O’Brien, said a writer must write every day He continues to write poetry and enjoys analyzing the writings of his San Quentin and UC Berkeley students.
Unique S.Q. Group Raises Awareness About Life Sentences Through Rap Music
A group of San Quentin inmates, who were sentenced to life as youth, use rap to raise awareness of youth life sentences. As the arrest rate of juvenile offenders continues to rise due to violent crimes, law enforcement agencies respond by proposing gang injunctions and stiffer sentences. While on the other hand, the San Quentin juvenile lifer’s group (Kid Creating Awareness Together) C.A.T., uses conscious lyrics to send a message to law enforcement and to the youth in the streets.
Open up, open up your eyes/ become aware of how juveniles are dehumanized/ no ones concerned, no one cares, no one hears their cries / one mistake, one poor decision then we take their lives/
Gary “Malachi” Scott, a member of the juvenile lifers’ group, said, “I think the main message of this rap is that our youth who committed a serious felony can be rehabilitated and reintegrated back into society successfully. One horrible decision by a youth offender does not define who he is. It just shows that he needs help and proper guidance.”
In an interview with two group members, they made these comments:
Do you think that youngsters on the streets will listen to this rap when gangsta rap produced by the latest big time producer is what attracts their attention?
Antoine “Aziz” Brown responded: “If given the opportunity, not only will they listen, but they will be inspired to hear these profound lyrics coming from youth actually affected by the law that condemns juveniles to life in prison. This rap was produced from passion and a need to be felt and heard. So it’s not about competition, its about being treated justly and fairly.”
So what do you plan to accomplish with your socially conscious message?
Vinny Nguyen, a member of the group, stated, “Our message is that we want the public and law makers to place the juvenile justice system under the microscope. Trying juveniles as adults, if they would look closer, is not the answer.”
“The juvenile lifers group is comprised of young men who as teens were sentenced as adults. As juvenile sentencing continues to get stiffer, this group saw the need to speak out on this issue. They draw from their experiences as they use their talents of poetic prose to speak to the urban youth culture. They believe that socially conscious rap can influence the minds of youth and deter them from committing crimes.”
Lawsuit To Reform California’s Public Education Funding System
A second lawsuit aimed at reform for California’s public education finance system has been filed in Alameda County Superior Court.
This lawsuit is similar to the Robles-Wong v. California, filed 2010 by the Californian School Board Association (CSBA), the Association of California School Administration (ACSA) and the California State PTA.
In the latest suit, a coalition of grassroots groups and individuals representing low-income students and parents makes two claims:
- The states school-funding system fails to provide children with an opportunity to obtain a meaningful education in violation of the Education Code.
- That this failure violates the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution.
“We’re asking the court to declare the current funding system unconstitutional and to order that a new one be created,” said Howard Rice of Public Advocates Inc., a San Francisco-based public interest law firm.
The coalition consists of the Campaign for Quality Education (CQE), Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), Californians for Justice (CFJ), and San Francisco Organization Project (SFOP), plus more than 20 individual students and parents.
The governor was asked about his response to the CQE lawsuit. Andrea McCarthy a spokeswoman for the governor said: “The governor is ready to work with the plaintiffs in this case, but multiple studies have pointed out funding alone will not solve the fundamental problems facing our schools. Throwing more money into our broken education system will not benefit students unless it is accompanied by extensive and systematic reform.”
The lawsuit’s contention is that education is a fundamental right of young people provided by the California Constitution and the California Supreme Court. However, school years are being shortened, critical teacher positions are being eliminated as well as course offerings and there is a shortage of instructional material and school supplies.
The suit claims these shortages are at higher rates in urban communities, which unconstitutionally violates the rights of African-American and Latino students.
“We have to sue. Not only are we losing teachers and seeing class sizes skyrocket, but districts are eliminating librarians, nurses, school psychologists, courses in music, P.E. and electives,” said Giselle Quezada from ACCE.
Christian Theatrical Group Impacts S.Q.
The San Quentin Garden Chapel’s drama team continues to perform impactful Biblical messages through modern day theatrical productions. However, unlike San Quentin’s Shakespeare group that is sponsored by a Marin theatrical company, the Garden Chapel drama team has no outside volunteers, Members express their desires to form relationships with local churches.
Theatrical skits are not commonly done in church on Sundays, although they are an effective way to share the Christian faith on a practical level. How do you think the community views fine arts in a church setting?
James “JC” Cavitt, a San Quentin inmate and member of the drama team, stated: “I believe that many religious communities may have an appreciation for the fine arts but many would be a bit uneasy about viewing a theatrical skit during the church service. We have many traditionalists in the church who are used doing things a certain way.”
What attracted you to the garden chapel drama team?
Michael Tyler is a San Quentin inmate and member of the dram team. He stated: “I wanted to use my personality to give back or help in the ministry. It also allows me to express myself and help people find themselves.”
What changes have you seen in the drama team?
David Cowan is a member of the drama team. He stated: “Changes are changes. Whether they are for the better or for the worse is up to the individual. I try to stay flexible by remembering that this is God’s ministry; it could be better with better equipment and if we could all master having a servant’s attitude.”
Do you think that people are more open to the message of Christ through drama as opposed to a message being preached?
Jonathan “JW” Wilson is a member of the drama team. He stated: “I believe that ministry or preaching is good but sometimes we can’t always identify with a scripture text or see the practical of it until we’ve actually been involved in the lesson itself. So for me, being able to recreate a spiritual principle from the Bible, I believe it’s more effective than preaching because you have a visual demonstration”
Film Production – A Marketable Skill After Parole
The San Quentin Media Department plays a major role in San Quentin’s prisoners rehabilitation. Under the supervision of Larry Schneider, prisoners are given an education in film production. This opportunity is not available at any of California’s other 32 prisons, however San Quentin prisoners are making information available for other prisons to emulate these programs.
Men who work in the media department are interviewed below. Troy Williams is a San Quentin inmate, instrumental in developing the media department.
What projects are you currently working on?
Troy Williams: I’m producing T.V. News broadcasts entitled San Quentin Prison Report (SQPR) for the purposes of highlighting newsworthy events that occurs within these walls. People never get to see the positive things that occur inside of prison. Our goal is to highlight those events and programs and have them duplicated throughout the state so that other prisoners will have the same opportunities, and this is how we affect public safety.
I saw a segment of the SQPR that you were showing the warden. It was really funny, you portrayed an inmate who was being interviewed behind a silhouette to keep his identity hidden, and suddenly the silhouette falls down and reveals his identity, what was that about?
L. “Blue” Wilder is a San Quentin inmate and a member of the S.Q. media group. He stated: “It was a comedy news report; I portrayed a character named John Cameron. It’s a take on John Cameron Swayze. I also do voices, but mostly I do the music for the video productions.”
Is this something you plan to pursue when you get out?
E. “Phil” Phillips is a member of the S.Q.T.V. He stated: “What I do is film the group functions, so I try to meet the media needs of that group. I shot a P.S.A. for Centerforce. Yes, this is definitely something I plan to do when I get out.”
What projects have you worked on that you feel have made a difference?
Marvin Andrews is a San Quentin inmate and member of the S.Q. media group. He stated: “I operated the camera on a mock election for President Obama’s 2008 election. That project was shared with the adult educations department on DVD. I’ve also done a documentary on a graphic artist named “Juse” from Modesto, who’s done graphics for LL Cool J and some other well known recording artist.
Do you plan on doing this when you get out?
Stephen Owens is a San Quentin inmate and member of the media group. He stated: “Yes, I plan to attend San Francisco State University for a degree in cinematography and expressions media and digital arts, I’m a creative person and I feel like this is a way for me to reestablish myself with the community.” Owens paroled in November and is currently enrolled in San Francisco State.
Healing With Jazz
Tom Harrell is a world-renowned trumpeter who suffers from schizophrenia. While playing, and only while playing, all symptoms of his illness, disappear. Miraculously, the colorful bebop jazz tunes become a healing balm.
Harrell began building his jazz resume in the late ‘60s, touring with Stan Kenton’s big band, Horace Silver, Woody Herman and many others. He has led his own bands since the early ‘90s.
The Los Altos musician’s gigs are often hindered by his schizophrenia and those close to him often wonder if he can complete his stage performances.
Recently he took the stage at Yoshi’s jazz club in the East Bay. Friends were doubtful, but with the rhythmic tap of one foot, he cued his band, put his trumpet to his lips and the jazzy notes bounced off the walls. Naysayer’s looked on with amazement.
The healing power of music transcends the boundaries of music. Just as Tom Harrell relies on music to sooth his schizophrenia, San Quentin inmates and volunteers who participate in restorative justice programs rely on music to promote closure and healing from crime victimization.
Lorrain Taylor, whose twin sons were murdered, expressed her restoration through an original Gospel song, “Take a Stand,” which included audience participation for the chorus. Music often becomes a conduit for healing when tragedy has struck devastating ways.
Making a Difference Through Music
Kurt Huget teaches guitar on Thursday evenings in San Quentin’s upper yard Art Center. He also regularly performs at meals for the needy at St. Vincent’s Dining Room in San Rafael.
Huget sang and played guitar for over 700 needy men, women and children as they ate free Thanksgiving meals at St. Vincent’s. Channel 4 KRON News covered the event and interviewed several men and women who were moved to tears as they expressed their thankfulness.
They complimented how tender and well-seasoned the turkey was, along with the dressing, cranberries, and other side dishes. The Thanksgiving meal recipients were very grateful for St. Vincent services. They expressed how then they would not have been able to enjoy such a well-prepared meal on Thanksgiving Day.
As the festivities aired on KRON-TV News, the inmates at San Quentin were proud to see one of their own volunteers on local television. Huget was asked, “What made you want to play at a soup kitchen?” Huget stated, “Because that’s where people need to hear music. It’s much more enjoyable than playing in a bar. People really appreciate the free music”.
His selections included “blues, country, and reggae–a little something for everybody.”
St. Vincent serves meals every day to people in need. Every year they serve at least 300 Thanksgiving meals, however this year they served about 700 meals. Huget plays music at St. Vincent once a month. His dedication to bringing joy to the less fortunate through music has made a strong impression on his San Quentin guitar students.
Several students have expressed to him how they would also like to play music at homeless shelters, hospital and elder care homes. Huget also played music at San Quentin’s Breast Cancer walk in September.