Talented incarcerated artist depicted their art in difference forms individuals in exploring beyond ones reach which is the universe. Richard Sanders, a new SQ resident shares his art. “My art is my book and my life story,” Sanchez said. The artist loves to create abstract pieces, which he refers to as something that comes from his heart, mind, and soul since he was a child. Sanders … [Read More...]

The second San Quentin Film Festival is officially scheduled to return to San Quentin Rehabilitation Center later this year on October 23 and 24.  This fall, for two days, film-industry insiders will once again converge on the 173-year-old San Quentin to connect with incarcerated filmmakers, a repeat performance of last year’s historic first-ever film festival held inside a U.S. penal … [Read More...]

Through intricate crafts, San Quentin resident Santiago Valencia has been channeling his art into his rehabilitation. “I learned how to create figurines out of discarded newspapers,” said Valencia. “Being that I don’t have any financial help from family members or friends, I have been able to earn an honest living while incarcerated through my art. I am paying for my crime and doing my hobby … [Read More...]

3-D style portrays character standing on his own Jack Anderwald, started drawing when he was 10. Now as an adult he decided to take it to a whole different level by incorporating his own 3-D style. The artist pointed out how he goes out of his way by carefully cutting out card stock into the shapes of every character that he creates. He wants his characters to stand on their own.  “I … [Read More...]

For some incarcerated artists, art comes from a blood line.  As a new resident to SQ, Daryl Harmon, have been going through prison culture shock.  “When I first got here I wanted to watch this new cultural atmosphere and wait for the authenticity before I put myself out to this new movement,” Harmon said.  The artist has been drawing since he was about 5 years old.  According … [Read More...]

Meikel Cooper quickly assimilated into the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center’s culture of recovery by bridging the gap through artwork and communication.  Cooper stated that art has helped make connections with residents, free staff educators, prison officials, and correctional officers by attending self-help groups. He said that art has the power to magnify shared values, beliefs, and … [Read More...]

Adam Thomas, an incarcerated artist, embraced his roots and his appreciation of many styles of art and through multimedia pieces. “Art is so important [a] cause, I can create something that is not there,” said Thomas. “I can turn my feelings into something that I can see and put myself into a story I don’t have direct experience with.” According to the artist, each drawing has a story, and … [Read More...]

For incarcerated father and artist Danny Velasquez, the language of art has continued its singular universality as he found his way of life through his art. His ultimate goal remained to share his story with his family and his beloved son, Little D. At the time of his arrest, his only son had just turned five months old. For his son to grow up in the absence of his father has remained a hard … [Read More...]

For Michael Andrus, art means freedom from reality because it allows him an outlet for change and a way to be in tune with his creativity. Andrus, recognizes how art has been a temperately reproach of getting away from prison drama. He named his pieces “Leaders of Destruction,” and stated,“ I painted this piece to state that in America, they’re one of them main leaders in our Climate … [Read More...]

San Quentin medical staff and resident artists, teamed up on the facility’s Lower Yard to promote “Art Health and Wellness” through creative expression. All levels of artistic ability and mistakes were welcome, showing attendees how to process emotions, through improving their coping skills in order to reduce stress. “I’m so impressed by the quality of art, there is a lot of talent here,” … [Read More...]

Art is another way to connect and to communicate with nature, the world, and one’s higher self. “The rumor is that I was painting with my fingers even before I could talk,” said Anand Jon Alexander. “My grandmother, yoga, and the temple walls of India, inspired my creative of expressions.” According to the artist, art is a powerful tool for rehabilitation, as artists peacefully promote … [Read More...]