A portrait of America's prison arts programs
CNN, December 10, 2022: A portrait of America's prison arts programs
“In photographer Peter Merts' images of California's Arts in Corrections program, a smiling man is pictured with an acrylic portrait of Pope Francis. It is a fitting choice of subject in a photo series that explores rehabilitation and redemption in America's prison system.
“Even before the California Institution for Men established an arts program, the 54-year-old, who is not named in Merts' new book, had begun teaching himself to paint using only the few books and supplies that he had access to. When the prison piloted an arts class, he signed up.
“His skills progressed to the point where he became an ‘inside facilitator,’ helping the instructors deliver classes and mentoring fellow students. After serving time for murder, he was released from prison and immediately hired by the same teaching program he had assisted. He still creates art and teaches painting to anyone interested.
“The man is one of many subjects featured in Merts’ book, ‘Ex Crucible: The Passion of Incarcerated Artists,’ which showcases people participating in prison arts programs spanning creative disciplines including music, writing, visual arts, dance and theater. Merts conceived the project in early 2021 but he has been documenting these programs for 15 years.”
Additional reading:
Ex Crucible: The Passion of Incarcerated Artists by Peter Merts on bookshop.org
Outside:Inside Radio, April 2022: Season 5 - Episode 5: Photographer Peter Merts
Prison Photography, December 29, 2015: Site-Specific Dance by Former-Prisoners Prompts Talk on Mass Incarceration and Arts Rehabilitation
