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Published on November 02, 2021
Aniya @L, Hovie, K, Kinzie, Theresa, Yabluetiful, ConvInk, Kenneth, Anonymous and Joe Students of Prison Arts Collective (PAC) at California Institution for Women. These drawings respond to the graphic memoir The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui made during a class at PAC facilitated in August, 2021.
This teaching encouraged students to brainstorm a story, journey, or memory that they could turn into their own artwork. Basic watercolor techniques were demonstrated so the students could use the medium to add color, imagery, and detail to their work. Not only did the students use their imaginations, but they also chose different ways to use watercolor based on what was most accessible to express their stories uniquely. To conclude the class, the group shared the stories and meanings behind their art, and were incredibly brave and supportive of each other's reflection.
Prison Arts Collective (PAC) is based on the belief that art is a human right. PAC is dedicated to expanding access to the transformative power of the arts to people who are experiencing incarceration and the justice-impacted community. Through University-prison partnerships, PAC draws on the expertise and research of faculty, the energy and enthusiasm of students in the universities and the prisons, and a dedicated staff to provide visual and interdisciplinary arts programming in California prisons. PAC is headquartered at San Diego State University (SDSU) with chapters at CSU Fullerton, Humboldt State University, and CSU San Bernardino.