CorrespondARTS: Reflections from the Inside (2023)

REFLECTIONS FROM THE INSIDE CORRESPONDARTS ARTISTS 2023

“Books are most interesting when we pick them up. #ReadOn” Anonymous

“Patience is key to success, like the tortoise and the hare.”

“I am positive. I am. I try my best but God only knows.”

Naim

Cover Artist: TReligion “All Kings” Watercolor on paper 2022 The theme of my illustration is not of gender or any common race. It tells us we can all be kings the way we want to be kings. No one can control the power or limit one’s imagination. So All Kings is a free expression of will power and the freedom of the mind, to do as it pleases.

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Dedicated to all incarcerated people everywhere

I am what time, circumstance, history, have made of me, certainly, but I am also, much more than that. So are we all.

James Baldwin

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ARTISTS Ashley Marie Lanham Bitty Jenks DMC

Hayk Myan Jamelia Thompson JaNay S Dennis

Kiara Haynes Naim Nicole McConnell

TReligion Walter Hicks Zanaya Gray

and several who chose to remain Anonymous

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Reflections from the Inside is a CorrespondARTS exhibition featuring the incredible work of artists involved in the Justice Arts Coalition program. CorrespondARTS is an arts engagement program that provides incarcerated people with instructional packets for creating artwork in three disciplinary realms: visual art, creative writing, and theater. It is led by teaching artists Carien Quiroga, Leslie Bumstead, and Lori Pitts, and has engaged 100 individuals to date in 5 Maryland Prisons.

The pieces presented in Reflections from the Inside explore topics such as trust, respect, and community. The range of responses to prompts in the packets convey the artists’ perspectives of social issues, pop culture, and life experiences inside and outside the confines of prison. The works center the voices of people who are systemically silenced by the carceral system. The exhibition is intended to amplify the 14 voices of participants involved in the most recent programming by CorrespondARTS at the Howard County Detention Center, and will provide people outside with a better understanding of the power of creative expression, especially in the carceral context.

This exhibition will open at Justice Arts Coalition’s office in Takoma Park, MD starting on February 18th, 2023, and run until April 1st. This will be the first exhibition run at JAC’s new office, and will be open to the public. An opening reception will take place on February 18th from 3-5 PM, and will feature theatre performances by Voices Unbarred, a local organization that amplifies the voices of people impacted by incarceration through the use of theatrical tools that inspire change. Attendees will also get to hear from a former CorrespondARTS participant, Anne Kirsch.

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ANONYMOUS

“The Marathon Continues”. Graphite on paper. 2022

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ANONYMOUS

“Untitled”. Watercolor on paper. 2022

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ANONYMOUS

I Remember I remember going to NYC for the first time when I was in my teen years. I remember when I got on the Greyhound bus for the first time. I remember when I loaded my bags into the bus’s cabins thinking what if someone takes my bag. I remember my father’s voice saying at that time, Well I guess you’ll be shit out of luck, son?! I remember not remembering too much about the bus ride to the new city I’d not been to yet. I remember waking up on the Greyhound bus in the city of dreams and lights. I remember taking a whiff of the New York City air. I remember thinking to myself…it smells like shit out here. I remember my uncle pulling up in his brand new SUV. I remember the love and the welcome he showed me. I remember grabbing my bags from the luggage compartment. I remember grabbing my last bag. I remember reaching inside only to find a woman’s pink vibrator on the top of my stuff. I remember being in the car with my uncle, remember touring NYC for the first time. I even remember the song we listened to, “New York New York, where dreams are made and bright lights will inspire you, welcome to New York” by JayZ and Rihanna.

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ANONYMOUS

“The Art of Aesthetics”. Watercolor on paper”. 2022

Women, the most valuable creation God gifted man, as men we should love our queens as we do our own mothers.

“Anyway, each one of you must love your wife as you love yourself and the wife must see that she respects her husband” Eph 5:33 11

ASHLEY MARIE LANHAM

“Untitled ”. Watercolor and graphite on paper. 2022 Dialogue Character 1: Me (Ashley Lanham) Character 2: Kim Kardashian ASHLEY: (thrilled) It’s great to meet you Kim. You are one of my biggest idols as a model, and as a business woman who uses her platform to help others.

KIM K: (happy) It’s so great to meet you too, Ashley. I’ve seen your pictures. You’re a talented full-figured model. I follow your Instagram.

ASHLEY: (excited) Thanks! I follow yours as well. How long have you been trying to use your platform to grant people clemency and overturn their sentencing?

KIM K: I’ve been studying law and really passionate about crime for the last three years now. I’m hoping to make changes in any way possible to help other’s lives the best way I know how.

ASHLEY: I think so far you’ve done an amazing job assisting with getting people to understand people change and can redeem themselves. Thank you for all your hard work Kim! 12

ASHLEY MARIE LANHAM

Fun in the Sun (abecedarian) ART I enjoy art, and creating new things. I love using the art I make in my house, displayed for others to see. I enjoy fixing the gem stones in jewelry, painting on canvas with acrylic paint, molding plates, cups, or vases out of clay, and just about any arts and crafts your local Joanne’s or Michael’s has to offer.

SUMMER Summer is my favorite season. I enjoy going to the beach in the summer and relaxing by the ocean. I go to Ocean City most summers and love every minute of it. Summer is only 3 to 3 ½ months a year so I cherish each day and try to get the most out of each summer every year.

HEAT It is always hot in Maryland in the summer. The heat waves increase every year and swimming is the best when it is hot outside. I enjoy the heat. I wish it was hot all year round so I could go to the beach throughout the year.

LEMONADE I love drinking fresh squeezed lemonade from the concession stands at Ocean City. Lemonade is perfect on a hot summer day. It’s super sweet and quenches any thirsty soul.

EXERCISE I enjoy exercising when I am having fun doing it. I used to dance, and belong to a gymnastics team. In the summer, I would be a part of my city’s swim and dive team.

YELLOW Yellow to me is the color of the sun. It is one of the primary colors of summer. Yellow is the color of lemonade. Yellow reminds me of the beach, and having fun in the summer at the beach.

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ASHLEY MARIE LANHAM

Art to Raise Awareness

I would love to raise awareness about homeless animals. I wish our detention center allowed cat or dog programs here so we could give a few cats or dogs a home here at the jail. I hear other correctional facilities offer those types of programs which is an awesome way to help with the problem of homeless animals.

Dialogue: Jeff: “Hey Kelly, I heard you’ve been looking for a pit since the passing of your husband last year?”

Kelly: “Hello, Jeff. Yes, I’ve been looking for a dog to keep me company. I can get pretty lonely at times.”

Jeff: “I totally understand. When my wife got sick, and passed, I became very lonely too. You know what I ended up doing?”

Kelly: “What did you do to cope?”

Jeff: “I adopted a two year old dog from the Humane Society who was at risk of being put down. He’s been with me ever since. Good ole’ Rocket.”

Kelly: “Oh wow, Jeff. You know what, that is actually a great idea, thanks. I will look into that this weekend.”

Jeff: “You’re quite welcome, Kelly. Anything to help you or an animal in our community out. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

Monologue: There are many pets rescued everyday across the United States. Some shelters are no-kill shelters, however some shelters do euthanize dogs who are older or have not been adopted in a long period of time. It’s terrible for any animal who is healthy to be put down because people didn’t want to adopt that certain dog or cat. To make a change, more people should adopt from the Humane Societies across our nation to ensure all animals in need find their forever home.

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ASHLEY MARIE LANHAM

“Love to All Animals, All Around the World”. Watercolor and marker on paper. 2022

My hero is the ASPCA. I chose the ASPCA as my hero because I love animals and so does this foundation. The ASPCA rescues and gives care to thousands of animals every year who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused. They provide food, shelter, and water, as well as nursing sick animals back to health.

The ASPCA helps a variety of domesticated animals, but cats and dogs of all ages are the main focus. In my artwork, I drew a cat, and a dog. The dog is a pitbull, which the ASPCA deals with this breed often. Depending on their environment, and how the dog is raised, pitbull may be aggressive due to abuse, or neglect. A direct response to poor ownership.

I also drew a picture of the world, with a heart underneath to show viewers the ASPCA gives love to all animals, around the world.

A pitbull is a commonly focused breed of dog the ASPCA deals with so I felt like I should draw one because they are a popular breed who typically need the most care, love, and support.

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BITTY JENKS

I remember I remember my first kiss I remember throwing rocks at cars I remember playing ding-dong ditch I remember making my first song I remember skipping school I remember smoking thinking it was cool I remember shooting out windows with BB guns I remember stealing from stores I remember stabbing car tires I remember staying outside all night I remember starting fires I remember fighting my mother’s husband for hitting her I remember many nights crying I remember playing video games I remember things not being the same I remember having nowhere to live I remember people telling me that I would never amount to nothing I remember my mom dying I remember me & my mom not being as close as we once were before she died I remember feeling angry with myself because my mom died before we could work things out I remember shutting down & not having nothing to talk about.

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BITTY JENKS

Each One Teach One Thor-Gone is a planet that is located directly behind the Earth’s moon. The landscape of Thor-Gone is very similar to Earth. The two planets almost looked exactly the same.

One of the things that separated the two was the climate. Thor-Gone had two suns so it always felt like summer and it didn’t snow. The cities were more farm-like and did not contain big buildings or factories. The people were of color. Their custom was living off the land. Their ethics was togetherness. They believed that together as one community that they could successfully accomplish anything. They valued each other not money or possessions. Money did not exist on Thor-Gone.

The people on Thor-Gone all had different skills. They bargained and traded with each other all of their needs. That’s why they valued each other because together the people on Thor-Gone were truly one. The only struggle within the people on Thor-Gone was that each tribe of people possessed their own skill that that tribe only taught their own.

Jeb is a Thor-Gondian. His family and tribe make the wagons that the people in Thor-Gone use to get around. There were no cars, so the Thor-Gondians traveled by horse. Jeb had three kids: little Jeb, Sid and Ley. Jeb was not liked in his community because he was different. He wanted to learn multiple skills. He wasn’t comfortable with only knowing how to make wagons. He would go around asking others to teach him their tribe’s and family’s skills. Some did while others told the others in the community. The Thor-Gondians gathered together and called a community meeting and told Jeb if he didn’t stop that they would kick him and his family out of the community.

So Jeb began to build and create things in his free time. The first thing he made was a ship. The ship was so big that the whole Thor-Gone community could fit in it.

The Thor-Gone people would call him crazy and tell him he was wasting his time building useless things. The following week a flood hit the community and Jeb and his family used the ship to save everyone in the community. Jeb did not brag or throw it in the people’s faces, he was just happy that he could help. The people of Thor-Gone later made Jeb the leader of the community and agreed to teach each other each other’s skills. Jeb went on and on building wonderful things and created a school called Each One Teach One, and together the Thor-Gone people thrived.

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DMC Life with Casey Dave is my best friend, there is no getting around it. Although we speak different languages he has spent a lot of time, like hundreds of hours, to make sure I am well-behaved and safe around people and other dogs. For instance, when we take walks together I always trot along Dave’s left side and never past his own stride. Dave is rather insistent about that and we have walked so many miles together I don’t even need a leash any longer, although I wear one in a public area.

I am not a big fan of seeing the doctor. Oh, she is nice and all, but sometimes she pokes and prods, and she is always checking my hips since my surgery there. Like a good friend, though, Dave is always there holding my hand and stroking my head telling me how good I am doing. He always tries to make it a fun trip and I do enjoy the treats after each visit.

Speaking of treats, how many dogs get a vehicle named after them? Very few, I bet. But Dave named his vehicle the “Casey Mobile.” He lowers the last two seats to form a cargo area which makes a great dog bed for a girl my size.

Dave combs my hair at least twice a day, but I must shed a lot. When he opens the sun roof on his vehicle the air transports a lot of my hair around. Dave just laughs and says, “Casey is in the house.”

We go everywhere together it seems unless it’s summertime. He won’t leave me in his truck in the heat. When it gets warm like that we exercise early in the mornings or after supper. Speaking of supper, will someone please tell Dave to add some meat to my meal.

Dry kibble may be healthy, but it can be boring.

It’s been ten great years now, but I am feeling my age. My hips are hurting again and recently my digestive system has gone crazy. I have never vomited so much in my life and I have lost my appetite altogether. Dave takes me to the doctor where they scan my body with a machine and take blood from my leg. I am never fond of that part, but I am a tough girl and I try never to complain.

The next day Dave is on the phone with Dr. Connie, I can only hear one side of the conversation, of course, but I hear him repeat words like “metastasized” and “inoperable,” whatever that means. He hangs up, walks to the garage, and closes the door behind him. I hear something I have only heard a few times in my life; someone is crying.

My ears perk up and I realize it’s Dave. The more he cries the louder he gets. I have never heard Dave be so in pain. I hope he didn’t step on glass or a nail. I did once and it hurt a lot.

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DMC

Finally he comes back into the TV room where I am lounging and he hugs me and kisses my face. Dave has always been kind and affectionate, but today I am getting special hugs and kisses. If I could smile, I would.

Later that night Dave and I are in our front yard and he points to the dark sky and says, “Casey, you are more beautiful than those stars.” “Wow,” I think. “How cool is that?”

We go back inside and Dave sits down next to me with some scissors and cuts some of my hair. He puts them in a clear bag of some sort which I thought odd, but who cares, right?

The next day my legs hurt too much to walk so Dave and I take a drive in the Casey Mobile with the sunroof open. My hair is flying again as always. The left rear window is down and I stick my head out to feel the cool breeze. At every stoplight I have my head out and the kids in other cars are pointing and smiling at me. I am not surprised. That happens a lot. People have told me I look just like Rin Tin Tin, whoever that is.

Anyway, my coat (as the doctor calls it) has always been healthy looking with all its brown, black and tan.

We drive for several miles without stopping once. I don’t know where we are going, but I certainly enjoy the trip. Finally, we pull into a familiar parking lot. It’s Dr. Connie’s place. Geesh, more poking and prodding I bet. My legs hurt too much to jump down so Dave picks up all of my 92 pounds and carries me in to see Dr. Connie.

Dr. Connie is her ever pleasant self, but this afternoon she shaves part of my left leg to the skin. Dave is stroking my head like he always does and is smiling. “Casey, you are the best friend anyone could ever hope for. You are loved,” Dave says. This is not the first time he has told me this, but I never get tired of hearing it.

Dr. Connie gives me some medicine by way of a needle like she has done before when my hips were hurting. It’s working just like last time. This time though I am feeling sleepy. I lay my head down and close my eyes feeling great.

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DMC

Who Am I?

I have heard the most difficult thing to prove is a negative. But that’s not me.

I am always there. You just can’t hear or see me. But make no mistake, I exist. You frequently embrace me when you are thinking or doing something requiring focus.

Similar to other things in life, I can be your best friend or your worst nightmare.

It is said I arrive just before a deadly storm, but not to comfort or ease your fear.

More like an omen of things to come.

I am the doorstep of many wonderful things; solitude, meditation, and yes, even prayer.

I am also the prison of the lonely, depressed and irrational.

My name is Quiet. I am what you make me!

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JAMELIA THOMPSON

I Remember I remember the running waterfall on the hill.

I remember thinking if the water whistle at night.

I remember every tree and plant was green and shine.

I remember little lady bugs that would pitch on me.

I remember hearing the splash sound of the water.

I remember looking down through the clear water seeing the rocks at the bottom.

I remember the clawfish tickling my foot bottom.

I remember my cousin flicking in the water.

I remember the apple tree we would go to eat apples when we got hungry.

I remember going back home and seeing a pretty white and black goat.

I remember hearing a loud noise but couldn’t see anyone.

I remember smelling dead animal meat but it didn’t matter.

I remember being arrested.

I remember crying like a baby cause I was in cuffs.

I remember not knowing my date of birth when the officer ask.

I remember the banging of the gates.

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HAYK MYAN

I remember

I remember the summer of 2014, mom telling me about the news of us immigrating to USA. I remember the 14 hour flight, before we would land in Dulles the April of 2015.

I remember 15 yo me telling myself about the new great American life about to begin.

I remember my first day in American high school.

I remember the curious feeling seeing students from all over the globe in my ESOL class.

I remember making friends with this black guy, first interaction with black person.

It was crazy.

I remember brown hair, south Korean girl, her name is …first girl I kissed.

I remember the joy and happiness on my first major accomplishment, my HS graduation in 2017.

I remember the crazy chaotic and fun experience of my first heavy metal show in Filmore.

I remember falling in love for the first time in 2019.

I remember crashing my dad’s Nissan Altima two weeks after getting my provisional license.

I remember feeling my nostrils freeze when me and my grandmother were visiting my uncle for his wedding in Vorkuta, Russia, winter -30 degrees C. I was 12.

I remember two days long train ride back to Moscow. (No I’m not from Russia.)

I remember our family trip to visit my family in Los Angeles, CA on my 18th birthday.

I remember 2019-2020 New Year’s night with my two uncles and cousins visiting us for a few days. It was the best New Year Celebration Ever plus my GF was next to me.

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HAYK MYAN

Identity Hello there, my name is Hayk. I’m 22. Just thought it would be nice to give a little intro first. Been living in the States for about 7 years, and in jail already, I know it’s disappointing. But I’m trying to see it as a little obstacle on my path during my journey called “It’s my life.” Finished high school in 2017, got my Associate’s in Video Game

Design by 2020, was heading for my Bachelor’s…and YES it is a real major in college/ university. Got an amazing family, awesome parents, most caring and supportive, very talented 16 year old and 4 year old sisters. I was in a relationship too for the past 3 years with an amazing, loving, loyal woman and I blew that off. Now we are here behind these monotone depressing white walls, sitting at an unimaginably uncomfortable metal bench thinking about many things that’s been bothering my mind, keeping me up at night and of course trying to remember all the good, beautiful,

emotional, delicious, attractive things that happened in the past.

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JANAY S. DENNIS

“Untitled”. Color pencil and wax crayons on paper. 2022 On the surface or by day love can look perfect (I know myself I’ve had relationships like this) but under the surface or by night a relationship can be very painful.

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JANAY S. DENNIS

She dreams of being free to fly like birds and for her feet to lift off the ground and not be surrounded by others who wish to bring her down. His eyes told her truths his lips dare not to speak. She finds warmth in the arms of the coldest hearts. They learn the hard way that frozen hearts will turn burning souls lukewarm. She gets lost in his words. She hears only unspoken truths but shakes them away like chilled tears in the night. He knows her fears and bares them to the world. Open wounds do heal in time it takes to make old wounds become scars, that are just bars on her soul. When the sun rises her inner heart will warm again and be filled with a burning fire that only loving one’s self can ignite.

Yard sale On sale today we have lost memories Table two is full of tales of better days On the left table in the corner dreams and hopes given up on Table three things we never did or will do On the table on the right ideas we never were because they didn’t fit One man’s trash is sold to another man to treasure

Misunderstandings

One door opens leading to dreams untold another door closed on lives never meant to be lost down rabbit holes breathing in wonderland’s breeze eyes wide shut in plain sight yelling with no sound the best song Just things you understand you can’t understand

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JANAY S. DENNIS

Me

I am a mother… I was created to create I am a person… here to love and be loved I am a human… made to walk and have reign over all God’s creatures What I’m saying is I am more than just More than just what stands before you. I have the ability to be whatever I and God set my mind to be. There is not one label that fits this package. I am made up of many labels Of many great things. So understand why I don’t Take claim to the labels you place on me.

I proudly walk my own path with my head Held high. I can smile at my enemies Because I known who I really am and no one Will change that I am a woman… I’m here To love my kids. I am an African American Here to respect my culture. I am me… and I proud of every part of me:).

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JANAY S. DENNIS

“Untitled”. Colored pencil on paper. 2022 In this picture I show how the world identifies me and the labels I wear every day this also shows how I am treated and judged.

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KIARA HAYNES

“Untitled ”. Watercolor and graphite on paper. 2022

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KIARA HAYNES

Collage Essay I remember being in my first kitchen. It was big with a big wooden table in the middle.

It had a door with steps in it. When you went up those steps it was another door. I don’t know what was behind that other door. I remember on the steps behind that first door was milk cartons and in those milk cartons was a white liquid I thought was milk but it was roach spray. I learned that after I kept asking my mother for a glass of milk and she took too long so I got two big glasses and poured me and my nephew a big cup and my mother came in just in time so stop us from drinking it.

I used to love going to the corner store as a child. I remember my father would come every day and give me a 50 or 100 dollar bill. And he would send me to the store to get me my nephew Dorian and my niece Pinkie a 25 cent bag of chips and a 50 cent juice. He would always let me keep the change.

My brother Maurice was very important to me as a child. He laughed like Eddie Murphy.

I remember one time he came down the steps as I was coming up the steps. We both stopped and looked at each other, we had on the same outfit from head to toe. A white Looney Tunes shirt and red shorts. He looked at me and said “Do you want to go to the store with me?" We went to every store in the neighborhood looking for the cheapest pack of cigarettes and ended up at the first store we went to. I miss him. He killed himself when I was 8 years old.

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NAIM

“Lost Mind”. Graphite on paper. 2022

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NAIM

“Untitled”. Graphite on paper. 2022

“Untitled”. Watercolor on paper. 2022

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NICOLE MCCONNELL

“Untitled”. Watercolor and color pencil on paper. 2022 I think it is outrageous that the government feels as though they can dictate women’s lives/bodies. I appreciate the fact that I am a woman and I can make my own choice with my body.

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ANONYMOUS

“Untitled ”. Watercolor on paper. 2022

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TRELIGION

“Untitled ”. Watercolor and graphite on paper. 2022

My illustration is of a one-point perspective staring down a road into the horizon. At the end of the road there is a house or home from my perspective. It is describing my road to being home again with my family. The boxes on the outside of the main image represent “obstacles”. But, no matter which obstacle you take, they all lead to the same point in the horizon. We all take different paths to achieve our goals in life and they all ultimately become a learning process, whether the outcome is favorable or the opposite. There can always be teachings in the path you choose but it is a lot more clear if you learn the lesson from your own perspective.

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TRELIGION

This is an image of “The London Bird,” I believe it’s called. I really don’t remember but, it is thought to be one of the oldest bird/dinosaur that lived on the planet. I’ve done a lot of colored images with the water paint, it was actually something new for me. So I went back to the original style with just a pencil and a little finger rubbing. So I went with the monochromatic color scheme with different tones of gray.

“The London Bird ”. Graphite on paper. 2022

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TRELIGION

This illustration shows my passion of life and the way everything is connected. Everything in this image gives or supports life. This illustration communicates how diversity sustains life in a whole. There are images of blood cells, atoms, trees, the sun, earth, birds, fish, mammals, etc.. I care about these things because we all need each other to survive and have a healthy environment. I am also an owner of many reptiles (easiest to take care of :)). Relationships grow between people and all animals also bond. They can one day become dependent on a human being for the need of survival. What I believe to be true in the world is that we all need each other for balance and survival. The way people save bread for birds and so on. I love the way the world works in a way of recycling. Nothing natural is wasted, just decomposed and becomes food and energy for another organism.

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TRELIGION

“Untitled ”. Watercolor and graphite on paper. 2022

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WALTER HICKS Verbatim Theatre is a form of documentary theatre where events and themes are explored through the words of people at the heart of them. Anna Deavere Smith, an award winning actress, playwright, author, and professor, is credited with pioneering this form of theatre. She reveals the effects of inequality and discord on American communities by interviewing people with varying points of view and then performing excerpts of those interviews. She becomes each character in an amazing way that helps the audience step outside of their own worldviews and explore the problem from multiple angles. You can see her most recent play, Notes from the Field, which explores the vulnerability of youth, inequality, the criminal justice system, and contemporary activism, on HBO as an adapted film.

As part of the CorrespondARTS curriculum, teaching artist Lori Pitts, sent participants interview questions to which they could respond. She then shaped their words into a theatrical piece meant to capture their personality and showcase their thoughts and ideas.

Below is the piece created from an interview with Walter Hicks.

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WALTER HICKS Broccoli Train

By Walter Hicks and Lori Pitts (We see a lot of people holding hands across the stage. They are singing, “People all over the world, join hands. Start a love train, a love train.” from the song Love Train by The O’Jays on repeat. Their sound fades to a low volume as Walter steps out of the chain and stands in front.)

Walter: Broccoli. Not everyone likes me but I’m good for most. To most.

I wanna heal the world, not hurt it.

My people (he gestures to the people behind him) are a reflection of me in a way.

Broccoli. Not everyone likes them but they’re good for most. To most.

To my child. My greatest success is being a good father! (To a little boccolini)

I want people to know I care about the world…

(The background singers sing “Love train, love train,” loudly.) …and everyone.

(We hear “People all over the world.”)

Times are hard.

(We hear the background singers sing, “Join hands.”)

But if we stick together and do right, (The background singers sing, “Start a love train, love train.”)

We’ll be OK. (The background singers go back to singing quietly on repeat.)

My people are a reflection of me. (Winks) Broccoli.

(Walter steps back into the line and joins hands with the background singers and begins to sing with them. They dance offstage.)

End of Scene 39

WALTER HICKS

I Am I am just a grown man running out of time

I am just a grown man trapped in a world as doubtful as my mind I am Just a grown man who ain’t doin fine I am the one who feels like love don’t leave here no more

I am the one who sees loves a stranger @ the door I am confused I am complicated My mind, soul and body are emancipated I am asking love why are you never concerned w/ me I am asking love for healing, but yet it’s hurting me I am your biggest fan watching you from the stand in the bleachers

head up + toes down praying to Jesus I am who I once was w/ feelings that’ll never be, I am me wishing there was a WE.

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WALTER HICKS

Monologue: No one understands me. Some laugh some just say I’m crazy but I know how it feels to be the only one singled out like this, do they? It’s like being the only Angel in a devil’s world. It’s like forever ever having Covid-19 and being a-symptomatic. You know your sick cause your told your sick but you don’t feel sick. Even at times I question am I the sick one or are they sick? Is it even a sickness or is it just a cover-up for what they can’t explain? I think we should have classes on educating people in society and on jobs on mental health. On every or most diagnosis and how to handle people with those particular diagnoses so they are not punished when they should really be treated for a diagnosis.

Dialogue: ME: So have you guys spoke at all?

CHRISTIAN: Not peacefully it always turn into war with her.

ME: Well, do you think what you did to her in the past has anything to do with…

CHRISTIAN: Hey brah if it does then that’s on her.

ME: NO! Ha, that’s on y’all, look man this is obviously eating you up, it’s OK to lose pride over one you love but don’t lose the one you love over your pride.

CHRISTIAN: Tell her that.

ME: OK! But for now I’m telling you. Hey and if it don’t work at least you gave an honest effort.

CHRISTIAN: Alright! Fine, here goes nothing…

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WALTER HICKS

Invisible Theatre is a form of theatre staged in an everyday setting, like a store or a bus stop, where the audience doesn’t know what they are seeing is scripted. Invisible Theatre is used to help spark a conversation about a social justice issue.

Actors act out a scene that no one knows is scripted. (It’s important that the audience never finds out the scene is staged). The audience are just people who happen to be in that location at the time. The actors present an issue they want to raise awareness about or get others to think critically about. The audience might engage in the moment if they decide to—without knowing they’re becoming actors—or might just listen. Either way, awareness was raised around the issue, important ideas for change were wrestled with, and the conversation has the potential to continue when the audience leaves and tells the story at work or home.

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WALTER HICKS

Here is the set up for an Invisible Theatre piece that Walter wants to create: Q: What’s an issue you’d want to raise awareness or start a discussion about?

A: Mental illness Q: What do you want people to walk away thinking about or saying?

A: That mental illness doesn’t discriminate and everyone deserves treatment.

Q: Are there some specific points you want to make in the scene? What could happen to show those points?

A: Some people laugh or misjudge mentally ill.

Q: Who would be your actors (describe them generally)?

A: Black male early 30’s, A random white mid aged person.

Q: Who do you think would benefit from your scene as the “audience?”

A: White America Q: Where might you find that audience? Where/when could your scene take place?

A: Anywhere honestly but example area like in line at a fast food place.

Q: Summarize your scene A: Black male in his early 30s talking to himself out loud randomly and constantly in a line in McDonalds and he is very forgetful Q: What are some possible actions the audience might take in the moment or in the future in response to your invisible Theatre Piece?

A: They might try to help him w/ his order during his interaction w/ having issues with his order.

Scene: BLACK MALE: (standing in line) OMG just please leave me alone stop talking to me

WHITE MALE: Dude who the hell is he talking to what a weirdo.

BLACK MALE: Why do you always bother me I’m at peace get out of my head.

WHITE MALE: LOL dude no one is near you. Place your order or I’m jumping you in line.

BLACK MALE: Sorry but Thomas won’t leave me be sometimes WHITE MALE: Dude I don’t care I’m hungry just move up and place your damn order.

BLACK MALE: May I have a number 10, Large with a Coke…

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ZANAYA GRAY

I remember I remember being a young girl I remember coming home to the smell of pine & bleach I remember frozen Kool-Aid in small cups I remember buying 3 for $1 bags of chips I remember kickball late weekend nights I remember certain friend groups

I remember a Disney princess room I remember running in the house from shootings I remember struggling to adjust

I remember leaving family & friends I remember starting a new school I remember being a loner

I remember working new jobs I remember kindergarten, my first boyfriend Gabriel he had light skin. He had very curly hair and a little brother named Daniel. I still think of him often

I remember my 3 best friends Kiyara, Dakera, and Aaliyah. We shared many laughs and many troubles.

I remember having many birthday parties growing up. I would have Fountains Picture Cakes, many presents such as phones, computers and tablets, also many Dance Battles that I would lose.

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ZANAYA GRAY

“Untitled ”. Watercolor and color pencil on paper. 2022

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to express our deepest appreciation to: Director Margaret Chippendale for her ongoing support and commitment Dr. Alaina Elam for her dedication and coordination

Wendy Jason from the Justice Arts Coalition for her generosity and leadership Joe’s Movement Emporium for printing packets Voices Unbarred Community Advocates for bringing some of these pieces to life through dynamic performances Justice Arts Coalition Intern Lucy McAuliffe for her dedicated collaboration with CorrespondARTS and taking the lead on the curation of the exhibition Justice Arts Coalition staff and interns for generous help with installation, and exhibition preparation: Clare Walker, Program Assistant; Norynne Caleja, Intern; Daria Parsa, Volunteer; Courtney Daub, Intern Our funders: Maryland State Arts Council, Cornelia Bessie Memorial Foundation And especially the artists for being vulnerable and sharing their fantastic artwork with us.

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CorrespondARTS is a multidisciplinary, distance learning arts program co-created by Justice Arts Coalition, Voices Unbarred, and local artists in November, 2020 during the Covid lockdown. Through the pilot program at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women, participants received themed packets of prompts and activities in creative writing, theatre, and visual art every two weeks for six months. Since then the CorrespondARTS program has engaged participants in multiple Maryland facilities including the artists featured in this booklet from the Howard County Detention Facility. The team of local teaching artists, Lori Pitts, Carien Quiroga, and Leslie Bumstead, each with experience facilitating programs in carceral settings, create the packets and provide participants with feedback.

Naim. “Untitled”. Colored pencil on paper . 2022

Project supported by:

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