Berea, Kentucky: March 8 – March 28, 2026
Rebel Rebel Studio Lounge
440 Chestnut Street
Berea, Kentucky 40403
Art for Liberation from Mass Incarceration
Let’s Get Free’s Permanent Collection is on the move with our first out-of-state showing! This newly named exhibition –– Abolition Now! –– is a collaboration with Dr. dp patrick’s course of the same name and Rebel Rebel Studio & Lounge in Berea, KY.
The Beginning of the Doors
1. Q-Bert Cells by Matthew Matteo, watercolor and pen, 15″ x 15″, 1999
Let’s Get Free members, Alan Lewandowski and etta cetera came upon the profound artwork of Matthew Matteo in the Green Lantern Gallery in Greensburg, PA. (1 hour from Pittsburgh) We purchased three paintings there for our collection. We have looked for Matthew who has been released from prison for quite some time but have not been able to contact him. His artwork is recognizable to others who have been in PA prisons.
2. Doors Of Freedom by Cyd Berger crosstitch, 16” x 8”, 2023
Cyd Berger was sentenced to life without parole in 1980. She is currently 70 years old and has served 46 years in prison. You can listen to her speaking from an interview in 1993 while Mary Dewitt paints her portrait in 2014.
3. Free Your Mind by Matthew Matteo, oil on canvas, 14′ x 14″, May 13, 2000
Daughters Magazine Corner
4. Daughters #11 Cover by Marilyn Dobrolenski, acrylic on thick paper, 13.5 x 8.5, 2024
We commissioned “Dobe” to make this piece for us for our Daughters #11 issue that centered on Children. She has spent over 50 years in prison on a life sentence.
5. An Untimely Death by Shonda Walter, Ball point pen and manilla folder, 11″ x 17″, 2020
This is what I’ve felt like my 17 years in prison. I survived death row to still be crushed by the sands of time of a life sentence without parole and I hope it fits your premise…
5. Daughters Cover #15 by Shonda Walter, acrylic paint on thin cardboard 10 x 15, 2025
6. Second Chances by Melanie Ray, acrylic on canvas paper, 12 x 16, 2024
Most days I feel as tho I am stuck in the Twilight Zone. Like my life is in suspension and I’m just waiting for that window of opportunity to open. The Roman numerals represent the 13 years of my life spent here, wasted youth. But it formed the adult I am today, ready to land on both feet and show the world that there is hope yet. #SecondChances
That’s a photo Melanie and her spouse on their wedding day in 2025.
7. Let’s Get Free by People’s Paper Co-op by Katy Kaplan, Multi layered, Screenprint on paper made from criminal records 11 x 20, 2022
“Let’s Get Free,” by the People’s Paper Co-op (PPC) made in collaboration with Katie Kaplan in 2022. Featuring PPC fellow Ivy Johnson, the print raised money to pay for billboards across PA created by the PPC and Lets Get Free. This multi layered screenprint is designed and printed on criminal records that were pulped to create new sheets of handmade paper. The billboard was placed around the state of Pennsylvania including Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and along the PA Turnpike. Tameka Flowers, Charmaine Pfender and Sarita Miller who are featured on the billboard are all currently serving life sentences in PA and are featured in several films.
8. Daughters #12 Cover by Cedar Annenkovna, acrylic, 2024
Let’s Get Free commissioned Cedar to make this piece for our Magazine which she did from the Denvers Women’s Correctional Facility. Cedar created her job at the prison which was the resident mural artist.
9. Daughters #18 Cover:Toxic Masculinity by Kal El, 2026, 9 x 12, 2026
“We are made of all of those who have built and broken us.” -Atticus
The First Brown Door
10. Night Owl by Todd Hyung Rae Tarselli, acrylic on leaf, 9.2 X 8, 2024 TR is famous for his precious paintings on leaves that fly across the concertina wire and land within reach. Leaves are technically contraband because they are not on the “approved items” list.
11. Harriet Tubman by Dominic Newsome, Acrylic on unstretched canvas, 11 x 11.5, 2024
12. Cornerstone by Ajamu Olushegun Iyapo, Mixed media (cardboard, cloth, acrylic, ink, colored pencil) 10.75 x 13.25, 2024
Artist statement: “Meaning: To resemble a carved granite cornerstone. This is to say that my life still has value and the strength to be the cornerstone of my family and the community. The engraved metal is written in “Afrikan Diasporic Glyph”, a Diasporic Afrikan writing-style. Message written in ADG: This is me, a creation of god, who is more than any title bestowed upon me by man. I am an amalgamation of diverse educational, familial, spiritual, and artistic ideologies that reflect many in society. Simply stated, this is me a human being, flaws and all, and truely blessed.”
12. Diasporic Afrikan by Ajamu Olushegun Iyapo, Medium: Acrylic and colored pencil on cloth 8.5 x 11.75 2024
Artist statement: “Meaning: This is me, a diasporic Afrikan who is made up of several ethnic groups, but is still god’s blessed creation. Message wrote in Afrikan Diasporic Glyph (ADG): Seek the place of honor and respect and accomplishment in this world for you will become a revered ancestor.”
13. This Was, Will & Will Be Me by Tito McGill, Pen & Ink on Paper, 12″ x 18″ 2024 In this selfportrait you see who Tito was in the upper left hand corner, who he is in the upper right, and who he will be.
Yaya’s Door
14. Invisible Life Series by James Yaya Hough, institutional paper, ink, pencil, 8.5 11, 2008 -2016
Working in ballpoint pen, pencil, and watercolor, often on the backs of bureaucratic prison forms, James “Yaya” Hough’s work conveys the burdens of incarcerated life, revealing not only the brutal reach of the carceral system, but laying bare its affects. Sentenced to life without parole in 1992, Hough went to prison at age 17; after 27 years, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that such sentences for juveniles is unconstitutional, and Hough was released. The artist, both independently, and as a member of a network of other artists who share a similar history, is one of the key voices working at the intersection of art and the criminal justice system today.
The watercolor of the prison is a portrait of Graterford prison which is now closed.
The Solitary Room
15. Life Without Parole by Augusto Gallardo, pencil 6.25″ x 4.7″, 2005
This illustration and Augusto’s self portrait are all that is left of the Prison Poster Project. A five person artist collective who set out to create a teaching tool about the prison system, designed in collaboration with and illustrated by people in prison. You can see the zine that was created to accompany a series of artwork that was meant to be a slide show, complete with quotes from prisoners to accompany the narrative. The overall concept had a cross-section of a prison with different issues in each cell. Agusto’s cell deals with the criminalization of youth as well as excessive sentencing that creates nursing homes in prisons across the country. In the reflection of a pocket watch a young boy in boot camp attire sees their reflection as an old man. An elder is seated on the bunk with the shadow of “life” between his feet. On the wall in the shadow of a cross, are pictures of generations of family growing up and changing without him.
16. Contumelious by Anntonésa Woodard, pencil on paper 3″ X 5″ 2023
This poem came with the drawing. Notice the light coming in the window. What is in the tiny cage?
Contumelious
Darkness
overtakes me
Can’t see
Eyes swollen shut
From blows of anger and fear
That one of these days I’m gonna leave
How did I get here?
Day after day?
Just can’t be pleased!
Always on bended knee
Begging for forgiveness for everything!
Sick of your so-called heart-felt sorry’s
Promising me you’d
Never do it again
LIES!!
That’s the one thing you do well
I’ve taken your crap
Time after time
I am so sick of you!
What I really need to do is say
“Forget you, go to hell!” But I can’t
Because I LOVE you!
17. Letter from Big Jah by T. Foley, Embroidery on thrift store embroidery, 12 x 12 ,2018 Jimmie Big Jah Greer was incarcerated at the Super Max prison Wallens Ridge in the western part of Virginia. This quote was pulled from a letter written to etta probably around 2007. Big Jah was a writer and holy man. When searching for him a decade later his name couldn’t be found. Hopefully he has left prison far behind and is living his best life.
18. If the Clothes Fit by Jess Lopez, Clothes from PA Prison, 2023
Jess wrote to LGF at the encouragement from Marie Mechie Scott while she was at Muncy, one of the two women prisons in the state of PA. Daughters magazine published her letters and stories and when she was released after an 18 month sentence joined the editorial collective on the outside.
19. Regret by Todd “Hyung-Rae” Tarselli, digital print. original made with instant coffee and white pencil on a paper bag 11 in x 8.5 , 2022 This piece was made for “Picture a Free World” art show.
19. Solitary by Todd Hyung Rae Tarselli, instant coffee on a paper bag, 15″ x 11″, 2020 Solitary was done by using the instant coffee packets found in the “lockdown bags” (breakfast bags given during a typical lockdown). This piece shows a portrait of someone looking through the food slot while being held in a solitary confinement unit. People in solitary are held for 23 hours a time and let out for one hour day into a giant cage for “rec”.
20. Depression by Matthew Matteo, acrylic on canvas, 16″ x 16″, June 21, 1905
Let’s Get Free members, Alan Lewandowski and etta cetera came upon the profound artwork of Matthew Matteo in the Green Lantern Gallery in Greensburg, PA. We purchased these three paintings there for our collection. We have looked for Matthew who has been released from prison for quite some time but have not been able to contact him. His artwork is recognizable to others who have been in PA prisons. According to Yusef Jones, his depiction of the cell in the piece called, “Depression, is one of the most accurate renditions of a prison cell he had seen.
The Puzzle Corner
21. Alexithymia by Chontelle Shirk, Pencil and ink drawings on cardboard, shaped into 30 pieces to form a larger image, 3 ft by 3 ft (ish), 2023
A human being is a verb, not a noun. We are meant to move. We are destined to change and transform, to learn as we grow, so that we can transcend the “who” that we were years, days, and minutes before. The “who” that I am today is made up of the many pieces that I was in the past. There are no “good” or “bad” pieces, just different experiences and people that have assisted in molding me into the woman I am today. Today I honor my inner self.
22. Still Hoping (For that ‘Wake Up Free’) by Darrell Van Mastrigt, acrylic on canvasboard, 15″ x 19″, 2020, “All of us on the inside are waiting and hoping for that day we can ‘Wake up Free’ again. We hope for that day we can wake up with our family and loved one by our side and at home. Those on the outside are waiting and hoping for the day when their loved ones wake up at home with them. We are all “Still Hoping to be free one day together!”
23. Untitled by Andrea Dusha, Acrylic and Pen on Paper, 8 x 11, 2024
This piece was made for the This Is Me Let’s Get Free art show. There was no artist statement.
24. This Time is Killing Me by Duane Montney, 2020
This piece was made for the “End Death By Incarceration” art show in 2020. It’s full of symbolism from the corona virus molecules coming from the grim reaper to the pocket watch bighting the back of an elderly woman in her hospital bed. Time is chewing up and spitting out denied pleas for clemency as well as letters from home. The woman has hope tattooed on her knuckles. Duane is a long time collaborator with etta, Duane was released from a juvenile life sentence in the state of Michigan in 2023.
The Peg Board
24. Me in a Nut Shell by Alisha Singletary, Pencil & Colored Pencil, 9.5 x 8.5, 2024
Alisha created this for the 2024 from a Lebanon County Prison in PA. She was released in 2025. You can see multiple self’s in this piece where the color was pressed so hard there are ripples in the paper. One self is entering prison in the silhouette of a pregnant self while still another self is peers from behind them with tears streaming down. The words, Anxiety, depression, PTSD adorn the top, while in the middle is the title of the art show, “This is Me.” This poem accompanied the drawing.
The Real Me! by Alisha Singletary
Lebanon County Prison – Pennsylvania
I was born a statistic, crafted to be addicted
As an African American, light-skinned female
Not white enough for the Whites and for the Blacks too pale.
Woke up one day to find, everything changed
My mom, my whole family, even my name!
Too young to understand, to grasp the concept,
That no matter what, I was one no one could accept,
As the years flew by and the
Abuse didn’t stop.
Being bullied about my hair, Bullies
called it
A mop,
So I hardened my core, I would be bullied no more.
Since I witnessed violence, day in and day out
I learned to let my hands show people what I was
all about.
I got tired of others hurting me. It was my turn to
be on top
So, once I got pregnant with my son, it was hard
to stop
Losing my son
To the same system that I was put through was very hard.
But throughout this journey, I’ve always had
God
So, I may be a statistic
And I may have made it so.
I plan to move on in life and succeed though!
So I may be a statistic Yes, that may be
Yet a statistic is not ALL of me
I am a daughter, a grand-daughter, a sister,
and friend.
A mother, an Aunt, niece and cousin.
I have painted this picture of a woman
Scorned
One who holds on to her past
As she writes these words she’s FREE
AT LAST!
So you ask me who am I?
This is my only reply
I am a strong black woman tired of
hurting
Ready to move forward on her journey
I am humble, empathetic, capable and
deserving of a life at ease
With only God, my heavenly father to please
Now this is the … REAL ME!
24. My Life line by Alisha Singletary, Colored Pencils, 8.5 x 5.5, 2024I was trying to portray recovering from an eating disorder and mental health by incorporating the signs of awareness along with the words of hope – victim/survivor/thriver
25. End Death by Incarceration by Angela Hellman, colored pencil and pen on manilla envelope. 14.5″ x 9″, 2020
My second piece speaks for itself as a woman with a life sentence visits with her daughter and grandchild sick and immobile but still forced to spend her final days of life talking through glass without the comfort of physical contact.
26. Evolving by Steven Kas Williams, mixed media on paper 12 x 9 2024
This is my progression while I been incarcerated. Finishing my education and gaining wisdom through self-awareness and accountability. Now that I have free my mental from its prison. I can run free like a wild mustang in the wild.
27. Reaching Out by Steven Kas Williams, mixed media on paper, 12 x 9, 2024
The hands represent the three phases I been in my life. First, being pulled down by the negativity, then reaching out for help, and finally I’m reaching out to those who need help who are drowning in despair and burning with anger.
28. No Interpreter No Justice by David Ramirez, Print of original: Pencil, 8 x 5.5, 2023
“David Ramirez was a minor when he stood in a Philadelphia courtroom facing homicide charges in 2008. Less than a year prior, he came to Pennsylvania from Ciales, Puerto Rico to unite with his family. Ramirez lacked English proficiency enough that he was enrolled into English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) classes at school.
However, no interpreter was provided for him during any hearing throughout the trial proceeding. Even though the Pennsylvania interpreter Act was passed into law in 2006.
According to Article 1: Section 9: of the Pennsylvania Constitution: every defendant is guaranteed the right to be heard of oneself. David Ramirez was deprived of this right. Now as a grown man seeks relief from his unfair hearings. There can be no justice where the kind of trial he receives depends on what language is spoken.”
29. What We Lose by Elena House-Hay, watercolor and pen on water color paper, 12″ x 9″ 2020
My piece is titled “What We Lose” and is about the hardships that women experience in prison. We are challenged and depleted in mind, body, and spirit, sometimes by those who are tasked with taking care of us. The building in my painting represents the DOC and the industrial factory of flesh that it is. The text in the windows comes from common phrases I’ve heard from nurses, guards, and other staff. I chose the words because they are both invalidating and routine. The hand and the words outside the building represent the experience of the outside family as they witness the process of incarceration. Lastly, the cold claws reaching out of the building are symbolic of the heartless ingress and egress to and from the system that has left many people feeling as though their flesh and life has been stripped away. The purple skin tone is meant to make the figures universally relatable.
30. Who learns from this? By James Marschner, pen and pencil, 11″ x 8.5 2020
This simple pen drawing speaks volumes
31. The State of ID by Kal- El, Gilclee print of acrylic painting, 11 x 14, 2024
“Z-Coding is taking something normalized and making it different. My purpose in my art is to show that different is also beautiful. Painting is my way of coping with social anxiety, depression, and anger. Music inspires my colors and emotions determine what visual effects will speak from my canvas.”
32. So Many Ways to Get Free by Jennifer Busbey, Pencil & Colored Pencil, 7.5 in x 7.5, 2024
33. Be Not Afraid of Change by Latosha Gross, cross stitch, 6″ x 5″, 2020
34. Untitled by Benji Hill, pencil , 12″ x 9″, 2024, etta asked Benji to create a piece for the permanent collection and he submitted this from SCI Houtzdale in PA. Interestingly Gary Farlow, who is incarcerated in South Carolina sent a surprisingly similar painting. Perhaps they had the same magazine?
35. My Path To Freedom by Gary Farlow, Crayon & colored pencils, 8.5 in x 11 in 2024 Gary submitted this to the LGF’s 2024 art show.
36. 1970 from Within by John Zenc, Colored pencils on Construction Paper, 14 x 9, 1982
37. Mexico City Runway by John Zenc Mixed media on paper, 14 x 9, 1981
38. Picture A World Free: Clean Air Clean Water For All of Us by Cedar Annenkovna, digital print. original made with gold leaf paper and shades of brown colored pencil, 8.5″ X 11″, 2023
Artist statement: Prosperity is not defined by the accumulation of material objects, but by the peace of standing in relation to all of life in a nurturing way that promotes mutual survival through cooperation. Freedom is clean air, clean water for all of life, humans and all creation. Freedom is action that promotes the vitality and well being of all living things. Stop buying non-biodegradable products and packaging: reconsider. Reduce. Reuse. Repair. Reinvent. Recycle. Upcycle. Freedom is not living in fear of war and gun violence. To love is to forgive, and forgiveness is not a random act, but an attitude and overall outlook on life. To be forgiving is to be free and as an abolitionist, I strive for freedom not only for myself, but for all life around me. I recognize the inherent right to life for all living creation. We exist in tandem with each other and every other living thing. I used gold leaf paper befitting a golden, free world, and my color choice is a tribute to all beautiful tones of brown behind bars from cream, to mahogany. I used multiple languages because the message is universal/ Education is liberation. Everyday I become more and more free. This illustration is created with colored pencils on golden glittery paper.
39. Love Letter To A Ghost by Cedar Annenkovna, Colored Pencils 8.5″ X 11″, 2024 – created for the 2024, “This is me” art show from the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. Cedar was suddenly released in July from the work of a public defender. Cedar did about 7 years of a 15 year wrongful conviction center and is now a beloved comrade on this side of the fence.
40. Lady in the Shadows by Kamdyn Alexis Love and Steven Musser, Acrylic Board, Handball, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor Paint, Chew Can Lid, Boxer Shorts Material, Medicine Cups, Q-Tip, Head Phone Wire, Laundry Bag Draw String, Thread, Tape, Glitter, Gel, Acrylic Paper, Pen and Pencil, Kneadable Eraser, Glitter Paint, Mascara, 12 x 18 inches, 2024
Kamdyn and Steven are cellies. This piece was made for the “This is me” art show. Steven was the main physical creator. When asked what the figure was at the bottom of the drawing Alexis replied, “That’s the old me.”
The Walls
41. The Cage 3837 by Jurijus Kadamovas, Mixed media, including pieces of his prison cell wall, 24 x 16, 2024 I am a Lithuanian citizen under a sentence of death for crimes I did not commit, as the result of an unfair trial replete with false testimony and misleading arguments. My case is currently on appeal. I am the only citizen of any European Union nation to be on U.S. federal death row. I have been in solitary confinement since March 2003.It is difficult to say from where I draw my inspiration when I draw or paint. I live all day long in a 7-foot wide by 10-foot long prison cell. My window is frosted over so that, although I can tell when the sun rises and sets, I am unable to actually gaze upon these natural events. By and large, my only interaction with the outside world comes by way of a small television. Still, while my physical world is limited, my mental world has no borders or walls.” Prior to my incarceration, I was a musician; I played in a few bands as a drummer. But, once behind bars, I had to find an alternative for my creativity, so I took up drawing and painting. I would be mentally starving without an outlet for my artistry. It is my art that keeps me grounded and sane. Artist website: https://www.yurikadamov.com/
42. Bubblewrap Lockdown by Mark Loughney, acrylic on canvasboard, 16 X 20, 2020 by Mark writes: ” I call these little striped characters Botflies. They’re pupae…and they represent a transitional life stage. Their black and white stripes are indicative of a prisoner, but they seem to have an innate bouncy joyfulness that seems ready to bust out of their shiny chitinous exoskeleton. Prison is a land of repetition and regimentation, so I’ve depicted that in my paintings by organizing my Botflies into rows and columns. “
Mark was released from prison 2023 and continues to make amazing art! https://www.loughneyart.com/
Raffle Raffle
43. Lion by Dominic Newsome, Acrylic, 12 x 15.5, 2024, RAFFLE RAFFLE: please buy raffle tickets to support Rebel Rebel & Dominic!
44. Billy Holiday by Dominic Newsome, Acrylic, 13 x 18, 2025
RAFFLE RAFFLE: please buy raffle tickets to support Rebel Rebel & Dominic!
45. Rosa Parks by Dominic Newsome, Acrylic on unstretched canvas, 20 x 16, 2024
Dominic comments on the challenge of painting old black and white photos in color: I knew her skin tone in “color” because I’ve seen her face my entire life, so I know her skin and I hope others will enjoy her and give her love and respect. The red, white, and blue backdrop reminds me that she loved America even though she wasn’t loved back.
46. Justice is Ashamed by Todd “Hyung-Rae” Tarselli, acrylic, paper bag, 14″ x 17″, 2024
47. Kai the Hyena by Chaco Iwase and Zhi Kai Vanderford. Stuffed Animal: Fleece, Faux Fur, Felt, Lash Extensions, Aluminum, Velcro, Plastic, Head to Toe: 17″ , Snout to Tail: 21″, 2024
Chaco Iwase and Zhi Kai Vanderford are friends and artistic collaborators. Zhi Kai is a trans artist and activist who has been incarcerated for the last 36 years since age 19, spending most of his sentence in women’s facilities until his transfer to a men’s facility in December. He will die in prison if he isn’t granted parole. Over the last 7 months, they have bonded over shared artistic interests and personal experiences. Zhi Kai imagined a “touchable and cuddly” stuffed hyena.
Instagram: @freezhikai
The Banners
The banners are made by hot glue gun aficionado and permanent collection curator etta cetera. The second chance banner was made by Dalia Levin.
The Window
George Floyd by Todd “Hyung Rae” Tarselli, 2020, Hyung-Rae also known as TR is famous for his incredible paintings on leaves that fly across the fences into his reach. He calls them his contraband series. You can read more about TR on Let’s Get Free’s Prison Advisors page. TR is among the 5,400 sentenced to die in prison. TR wanted us to send the portrait of Mr. Floyd out to the world. Feel free to use it in your organizing. “I can’t do much, but I can make art.”
No Pride for Some of Us by Micah Bazant, Print of watercolor, 12″ x 15″, 2013 Tribute to Marsha P. Johnson
Prayer for Justice by Cedar Annenkovna, Paint Markers on Muslin, 3 ft x 2 ft, 2025
Cedar made this prayer during the Coalition to Abolish Death by Incarceration (CADBI Caravan). This was a 7 stop state wide tour across Pennsylvania in effort to build our movement to end life without parole sentencing in PA.
Palestine by Hedaya, Fine art giclee print of watercolor, 5 x 7, 2023
All proceeds from this print were donated to Palestine Children’s Relief Fund to aid the victims in Gaza. https://justseeds.org/
Orange Crate Memories by Marce Nixon, 2023, ceramic scuplture
Artist Statement: My current body of work “Orange Crate Memories” is about my experiences as a young black woman growing up in Pittsburgh, PA. The orange crate has been a household staple in Pittsburgh since I can remember. An orange crate, most likely ‘borrowed’ from the corner store, holds some of my best memories. From getting my hair braided on the porch to playing basketball with fake gold teeth. I am inspired by West African textiles & ceramic history. Beneath the adornment of my work are rich meditative marks, that sing songs of resistance. Clay is archival, and every time I create I hear my grandma’s laughter saying ‘they couldn’t erase me’.
We Will Rebuild It “رح نرجع نعمرها” by Ayman Alhossary & Sarah Faraha, Risograph Print 2024 Sarah writes: This is part of a new limited edition hand-embossed risograph print series featuring the calligraphic works of Gazan artist @aymanalhossary who first painted these designs on the tents of forcibly displaced Palestinians in Gaza. With Ayman’s permission, I took his designs and added my own twist, turning them into the images you see above. We Will Rebuild It “رح نرجع نعمرها” refers to the unwavering “Sumud” or steadfastness of Palestinian’s connection to their ancestral homelands and their determination to remain, despite the genocidal attempts by Israel to destroy them. This print is still for sale on the Just Seeds Website
The Prison Letters Project by dp patrick, in suitcase, poem in the window frame was sent by MamaNancy and was written by someone
The Prison Letters Project grew from a gathering of letters that Nancy Kanary (MamaNancy) sent to her sun, dp patrick, while incarcerated in the Northeast Pre-release Center in Cleveland, Ohio between 1997-1999. In 2012, several months after the passing of Norma Jean Kanary, MamaNancy’s mother, a couple of MamaNancy’s sisters were sifting through the family archive that Norma Jean had tucked away under her bed. Among the items was a thick envelope filled with the letters which, many years after having received them for the first time, ended up in dp’s hands, and then their suitcase, and then on their bed in Toronto, where they had moved in 2011.
When dp attempted to read one of the letters at the edge of their bed in Toronto, they were unable to bear it. They didn’t know either how to keep the letters, nor how to put them down. Later that day, their artist-friend Sholem Krishtalka came to kiki and fold laundry with them and they got to talking about the letters. Inspired by the great lineage of Mail Artists, Sholem suggested that dp send the letters to friends, acquaintances, even strangers and ask them to respond. This is how the Prison Letters Project was born.
The collection comprises a variety of styles of letter from MamaNancy and responses from the Project’s co-creators and collaborators, including: Choreography, painting, recipes from a meal cooked in response to a letter, and so on. Two letters remain at large and without a response.
The “Abolition Now!” show is the first time that Prison Letters Project has been shown publicly.
Let’s Get Free’s Permanent Art Collection
Let’s Get Free permanent art collection features art made by people in prison as well as artists in solidarity from outside of prison. It chronicles the current moment of abolitionists through drawings, paintings, prints, cross-stitch, banners, and poetry. The artworks explore personal stories that express political yearnings and aspirations for the future.
Let’s Get Free (LGF) is a Pittsburgh-based organization working to end perpetual punishment and build a pathway out of prisons and back into our communities. Let’s Get Free accomplishes its goals through commutation reform, supporting successful possibilities for people formerly and currently incarcerated, and shifting to a culture of transformative justice. Over 73,000 people in Pennsylvania are currently incarcerated with 5,040 people sentenced to Death by Incarceration (also known as Life Without Parole). LGF’s many activities, including its annual art show, is centered on the liberation of people behind bars.
Let’s Get Free’s permanent collection is an organizing tool bringing people together to reflect upon the conditions of prisons and their function in PA. The collection is meant to be borrowed and to travel, lifting the voice of people in prison and creating dialogue with audiences everywhere it goes. The collection has been gathered through annual art shows and over ten years collaborating with artists in prison. The biggest bulk of the work came from 2020 End Death By Incarceration themed exhibition. We continue to add pieces to the collection.
Curator: etta cetera
Install Team: tender Tierney, dp patrick, Leah Vanwinkle
Thank you so much to Rebel Rebel for opening your space and heart to our collection.
This collaboration is possible, in part, through support from Project Pericles and the Department of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Berea College, which you can also find on Instagram.
Some Pennsylvania groups part of the resistance to end mass incarceration are: Let’s Get Free, Solidarity Not Solitary, Free Our People and the Coalition to Abolish Death by Incarceration.