BEYOND THE BLUE
California State Capitol, Annex Hallway
Based at California State University, San Bernardino, the Prison Arts Collective (PAC) offers weekly arts programming and facilitator training programs in eight California prisons.
Selections from PAC's second major exhibition, "Beyond the Blue" were on display in the Annex Hallway of the California State Capitol January 14, through January 25, 2019.
The Prison Arts Collective provides multidisciplinary arts programming in correctional institutions. In working to expand access to the transformative power of the arts and through collaboration and mutual learning that supports the development of self-expression, reflection, communication, and empathy, we give incarcerated individuals the opportunity to obtain a new outlet and to provide rehabilitation through arts programming.
The "Beyond the Blue" exhibition highlighted only a few of the many incredible pieces of art created by our participants, and, being just outside California Governor Gavin Newsom's office, gave them an audience they might never have had the opportunity to have.
Legislators and Staff
Enjoyed the Exhibition
Former PAC participant Mark Taylor told his incredible story to those viewing the artwork. Mark represents just one example of the power of arts in rehabilitation, and is even coming back to be an instructor with PAC!
The PAC Receives Recognition
in the State Senate
On January 22, Senator Jim Beall and the California State Senate recognized the work of PAC and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) on the Senate floor, which was an incredible honor for both programs. PAC Founder and Director Annie Buckley and former participant Mark Taylor accepted the recognition, along with ARC’s Director of Inside Programs Sam Lewis.
Special Event with
Anti-Recidivism Coalition
To celebrate the Capitol exhibition, PAC partnered with ARC to host a reception on January 22 highlighting the importance of arts and rehabilitative programming in prisons. Several special guests attended the program, including representatives from Arts in Corrections, an initiative of the California Arts Council, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Speakers included Annie Buckley, Mark Taylor, and Sam Lewis, as well as Senator Jim Beall; Assemblymember Kevin McCarty; Brantley Choate, Director, Division of Rehabilitative Programs for CDCR; and Mariana Moscoso, Interim Project Manager, Arts in Corrections, California Arts Council.