Artwork by Christian Trigg
Monday January 18 * 7pm * RSVP for the Zoom link
Time and time again, we hear just how much it means to the incarcerated artists in our network to know that folks on the outside are seeing, appreciating, and being impacted by their artwork. The feedback the artists receive brings them hope and validation, helps them to feel less alone, and inspires them to keep creating. We want all of the artists who've entrusted their work to JAC to know that they matter, so we hope that you'll join us for ArtLinks Online!
As those of you who have taken part in ArtLinks in the past know, we typically gather at Rhizome DC every other month to explore new artwork by incarcerated artists and share our reactions, reflections, and feedback with the artists by mail. We're happy to announce that we've moved ArtLinks online, so that you can continue to connect with JAC's artists from the comfort of your own home. We’ll start off by walking you through the process of viewing and responding to artwork online.
If you would like to take part, please RSVP via this google form link: forms.gle/ohAkH8FxYi3zThCp7 (If you are unable to RSVP via google form, you may RSVP via reply email to ava@thejusticeartscoalition.org and we will send you the link for the Zoom.)
This is your opportunity to let the imprisoned artists in JAC’s network know that we're engaging with their art, that their creative expression is important and meaningful to us, and that we're continuing to find beauty and inspiration in their work.
Here are a few comments from artists who received letters from ArtLinks volunteers:
"Dear [ArtLinks volunteer]: Salutations from one art lover to another. You can’t imagine how much it pleases me that people get to view my work and that anyone might be impacted by the portrait sketches that I draw. It is impressive and surprising that you would be considerate enough to bless me with your comments. I know that everyone’s time is valuable. This makes the generosity of your words that much more endearing.... Again, thank you for your encouraging words. Recognition and approval are lifelines for building self-worth. My gratitude is beyond measure."
"Dear [ArtLinks volunteer], Thanks very much for taking the time to send me a note and for the encouraging way that you gave me your thoughts on them. Just knowing that you and others take the time to really engage with my work is very encouraging and makes me extremely and exceedingly thankful for the hard work of JAC. You guys are wonderful…. One day I’d love to be able to show as much attention and inspection to others’ art as you have to mine. Thank you again. I am thankful for your best wishes and want to send all that strength, light, peace and hope back to you too!"
"Thank you so much for the feedback from the JAC volunteers. I don’t think you guys realize the impact you have on a federal prisoner. On paper, there’s thousands of non-profit organizations who help the incarcerated retain their humanity, redeem themselves and try not to allow the prison industrial complex to harden their hearts. From personal knowledge, the majority are just playing lip service. For approximately 5 months you guys have given me genuine, personal and insightful feedback. In a place that is void of sincere support, you guys help motivate me towards the path of artistic expression."