Voices of the Incarcerated - Art From the Inside

Art from the Inside was founded by Antonio Espinoza, a correctional officer at Minnesota Correctional Facility - Stillwater. He started the project as a way to foster transformation, healing, and forgiveness after his friend and fellow correctional officer, Joseph Gomm, was killed by an inmate. After this death, the community recognized the need to rebuild and re-establish trust. Espinoza worked with the MCF-Stillwater administration and the surrounding community to bring educational and cultural events inside the walls of the facility, which proved to be successful as part of the healing process for both the incarcerated population and the staff.

Looking to expand on that success, Espinoza started looking at other ways to help bring the community together and Art from the Inside (AFTI) was born.

Art from the Inside gives incarcerated artists the opportunity to express themselves through art and giving them a visual voice. AFTI will be exhibits their art in the community with the hope to inspire community dialogue about the complexities of our criminal justice system. 

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The above example is "Voyage" from Jaik Elliott, featured as part of a recent exhibition from AFTI titled "Identity."

From the artist's Identity Statement:

"I'm not what others write of me, I'm not who images depict of me. Unless you are to sit and get to know me through unbiased eyes and ears, my identity can be obscured and never truly known. I don't see myself. I'm not sure I care how I'm seen. As far as "aspects of lived experiences," simply put, there is not enough paper to express/tell the stories of me. If someone really wanted to know me, pull up a chair, we'll have some coffee and chat. You have a wonderful day. Sincerely, Me."

When asked "What role does art play in your life?"

"Art is the only true thing in my life. It centers me, keeps me myself and is my only escape from external chaos."

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You can learn more about Art from the Inside at their website.

To explore the recent exhibition "Identity," visit the online gallery.