Together We Can Make a Difference

EXPRESSIVE PATH Together We Can Make a Difference

EXPRESSIVE PATH Together We Can Make a Difference

CONTENTS Introduction 2 Illustrated Works 4

March 14 – December 27, 2020

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

EXPRESSIVE PATH

Installation photo

2

HELEN MILLARD CHILDREN’S GALLERY This exhibition showcases the work of

This exhibition includes work by

students from eight schools and youth

teenagers and adults from the

centers throughout Montgomery County.

following schools, youth centers, and

The students’ artwork is inspired by the

organizations:

poetry, songs, and stories written by

Anderson School

adults who are in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

Center Theater

Expressive Path, located in the revitalized

Brush with the Law

Centre Theatre in Norristown, provides Hope Worxs

free creative art and music workshops for teens ages 12-19, many of whom

Eisenhower Science and Technology

have little or no experience in the arts.

Leadership Academy

Through opportunities to display their

Lincoln Center for Family and Youth

art and perform in their communities, Expressive Path helps children build self-

Montgomery County Youth Center

esteem and confidence while enriching their knowledge of the arts.

Norristown Area High School Penn Foundation PRO-ACT Roosevelt Campus of the Norristown Area High School

3

4

LAMONT GREEN

You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.

Untitled Acrylic painting

— C. S. Lewis Quote chosen by Keah Patterson PRO-ACT

5

6

LAMONT GREEN

In recovery, your shape changes. In order for you to fit back into the rest of the

Untitled Acryilic Painting

puzzle, your life, the other pieces of the puzzle must also change their shapes to accommodate you. — Augusten Burroughs Quote chosen by Anonymous PRO-ACT  

7

8

Together We Can Make a Difference Ink Art

Artists, from left to right: Brianna Arroyo, Oliver Bonner Jr., Anthony Brown Jr., and Kimaya Digs Ashley Cruz, Ramatoulaye Jalloh, and Janelly Trejo Nylah Kindell, Niakima Williams, and Abigail Young Zenobia King, Mireya Samba Morga, Alzucena Nova Del Gato, and Kairi Wilson Zymira Chestnut, Destiny Hicks, Safiyatou Jalloh, Ramatoulaye Jalloh, and Rosalia Morga Seth Johnson, David Gregorio Quinn, and Kevenah Williams Ifeoluwa Bamisola, Mykayla Ellis, Jonathon Harris, and Ishmael Komah

9

10

MELANIE DARDEN, JAIONA GORDON, KEKOA LEWIS, AND KEISHA SHOATES

Each moment these days are precious Holding on to the smiles and laughter Not wishing to be anywhere else I accept my past, pray for my future And live in the now Every face which crosses my path I see them as a child

Untitled Ink Art

Innocent and care free Playful and gentle All the things I wish to be

Courtesy of the artists

Perfect is no longer the goal Just improvement and serenity How I get there is a mystery Something like a good book Unread yet But never the less hard to put down It’s all in the journey J. E. Penn Foundation

11

12

A.J. BRUNO

If you wanna fly, you have to give up the @#$% that weighs you down.

Untitled Ink Art

— Toni Morrison Quote chosen by Anonymous

Courtesy of the artist

PRO-ACT

13

14

LUIS BASTIDA, JAYLEN CRAWFORD, AND JY’MIR HARGROVE

I know it’s hard to take the jump and quit.

I have many family members that I lost to drugs. I know that if you continue on this path you will become the worst version of you and your family will miss you

Untitled Ink Art

and wish that you had gotten help. Try and take the “leap” and give it a chance because you can win this battle with

Courtesy of the artists

drugs.

I believe in you.

Anonymous

15

16

KARLEE MUELLERROMERO

I am a drug addict. I have been using drugs or alcohol for 22 years.

There has been one time in my life When I have had a substantial reprieve

Untitled Ink Art

from my use (3 years).

I currently have no communication with my only sister.

Courtesy of the artist

My relationship with my father is very limited.

I love my children to no end, however, They feel my use the most because of the absence in their lives.

I have lost thousands of dollars either To the use of the chaos from the wake of my use of drugs.

I have forfeited jobs, a house, cars, a business, etc…

Because of my addiction.

I have let go of my wife with barely a fight and watched my “friends” Trample on my broken and shattered life.

Now as I sit incarcerated for my second time in a year, I look At the wreckage that I’ve caused over and over again.

Rebuild to destroy. Rinse and Repeat.

And for what delusional self-indulged purpose?

Anonymous

17

18

N’AHKIAH PATTERSON

I’m not doing this to go back to how things were,

Untitled Ink Art

Even if they were good.

I’m doing this to go someplace I’ve never been!

Courtesy of the artist

— Pat Dooley PRO-ACT

19

20

DERECK CORE

There is a concept which will keep a man in everlasting ignorance.

Colors of the Wind I Ink Art

That concept is contempt prior to investigation.

— William James

Courtesy of the artist

Quote chosen by Anonymous PRO-ACT





21

22

KARLEE MUELLERROMERO

Living in a Residential program. Loss of control, loss of independence. Giving up control. Watching my friends in rehab go satisfy their drug cravings, some even

Frolic Under the Bridge Ink Art

losing their life. It was hard to watch. The struggle of having an addiction, myself; yet not completely understanding myself.Â

Courtesy of the artist

J. W. Anonymous

23

24

DERECK CORE

The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety.

It’s connection. It’s all I can offer. It’s all that will help you in the end. If you are

Colors of the Wind II Ink Art

alone, you cannot escape addiction. If you are loved, you have a chance for hundreds of years we have been singing

Courtesy of the artist

war songs about addicts. All along, we should have been singing love songs about them.

— Johann Havi Quote chosen by Christina Shay Hope Worx

25

26

KARLEE MUELLERROMERO

How drugs and alcohol have affected my life!

I used to be a cigarette smoker for six years smoking a carton a day in West Chester. I got very sick and ended up in

Untitled (Orange) Ink Art

the hospital.

You shouldn’t smoke! It’s bad for you!

That’s why I quit after 6 years.

Courtesy of the artist

You learn your lesson!

Anonymous

27

28

RAWQUON CARROL

Rough Journey.

Drugs Killing people every day.

Heroin overdoses affects the brain.

New Beginnings Acrylic Pour

Continue going to meetings and take it one day at a time.

Courtesy of the artist

Hope Worx

29

30

JAIONA GORDON

OVER and OVER One more Can I forget?

Untitled Color Photography

Ok for five minutes Can I forget?

Another five minutes

Courtesy of the artist

No more money Can I forget?

Just one more Over and Over I keep on running One more Can I forget?

Over and over No food, no sleep, no peace of mind Just want to forget Over and Over

By Robert Squires Penn Foundation

31

32

AMANDA ROJAS

Untitled Watercolor Courtesy of the artist

ANONYMOUS 33

34

JAIONA GORDON

Untitled Color Photography Courtesy of the artist

HOPE WORX 35

Fight Back Rap by Lena Moses Inspired by Eddie Mac’s Story Yea, Eddie mess up and took a slip back Cause he didn’t know how to react.

He needed treatment but too good for that.

Eddie you really need to fight back.

You need to fight back, need to fight back You need to fight back, need to fight back Your son saw you cry, didn’t want you to die.

Don’t go back on your pride and make a bigger lie.

Eddie you really need to fight back.

You need to fight back, need to fight back You need to fight back, need to fight back

36

The Personal Bias of an Alcoholics Ego

by Eddie Mac Penn Foundation As I sipped on my 6th tumbler of whiskey, I realized I had a problem. My wife, children, and friends noticed long before I did. I knew I couldn’t stop on my own, so I sought treatment.

When I walked into the treatment center, I saw all kinds of people. I didn’t feel like I belonged. I was using alcohol, not heroin, so what did I have in common with the other clients? Against advice, I left the treatment center after 5 days of detox.

I relapsed three days after leaving treatment. During the relapse, I fell and split my chin open. My son saw this happen, and all I saw were tears in his eyes. He was scared. I will never forget that image. It breaks my heart that he witnessed that moment. I was back in the ER again to stitch up my chin. I swallowed my pride and re-admitted myself into treatment, willing to follow direction.

I was scared and embarrassed to return and see the other people that I had judged so quickly. To my surprise, they all welcomed me back and were all very supportive towards my recovery. What a humbling, eye-opening experience! I learned an important lesson -you have no idea what people have experienced and what may have led to their addiction.

If you encounter someone struggling with addiction, offer a warm smile. That simple smile could change that person forever. I finally see the importance of kindness, love, forgiveness, and compassion, and I am so grateful and humble from this life lesson.

37

The days here feel like a sloth climbing through 100 trees with the pace of the slowest snail. — Taqua Wilson

38

Make Heart Break Following Footsteps Addiction Disappointment in those you look up to Loose Lips Broke Pockets

— Taqua Wilson

39

40

BAILEY UZDZIENSKI

Recovery means taking off the mask and chipping away one by one layers of hurt and defects that kept me sick. Recovery

A Climb to the Top Acrylic Painting

is challenging and can seem hopeless, but the reward at the top of the climb is a life free from the grips of addiction and a

Courtesy of the artist

better way to live. It isn’t always easy, but we get to be present in the moment and get to feel life’s ups and downs without running away. It gets better if you make it through today. Recovery blessed us with the joys of life’s gifts. Recovery is hope, love, hard work, and rewarding L. Penn Foundation

41

42

COLTON JAMES

I use to sleep on church steps And in a graveyard when I was homeless Because I thought that’s where I’d be

Life/Death Acrylic Painting

safest.

One represents life, one represents death.

The spiritual battle between these two

Courtesy of the artist

opposites has Raged inside of me for forty seven years But just for today... I choose life.

M. Rogers Penn Foundation

43

44

MELANIE DARDIN

Anxiety Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

HOPE WORX 45

46

AMMAARAH COLMON

7/14/19 My Big Homie GOD really been treating

Guardian Angel Acrylic Painting

me swell Got me out here being good to myself See before I was out on the streets

Courtesy of the artist

Ripping and running, life was crumbling Wishing I could switch into someone... else Wake up every morning like I got kicked in the stomach Now it doesn’t gotta end that way GOD showed me the rooms I’m sticking with my friends in NA They gave me a structure I’m gonna recover Don’t wanna go out like my brothers Just tryna think of my mother If I died how bad it would crush her Seems like I got a lot on my shoulders But I got a guardian angel helping me With the weight of the boulder Im not fake I can’t fold up Ima go hard like I told ya I’ll put it on my pops I got the heart of a soldier Now it’s time to do MY part And help the next addict get sober.

B. Clark Penn Foundation 47

48

DARIA ALLEN

I always wanted to be loved and to belong I thought I found it in drugs;

Choice Acrylic Painting

Never needing anyone.

It was never fun; It was an escape ‘cause I didn’t like my

Courtesy of the artist

reality: Being the oldest girl.

(Black sheep) So, I tried to make sure no one could hurt me ever again.

(Control) But I learned I really never controlled anything.

It wasn’t bad luck, it was bad decisions.

So, now I make better choices.

Because my lesson and my blessin’ was...

(I always had a choice) 30 years clean & free from drugs Hope Worx

49

ALEXANDRA AYALA

The Thoughts of Happiness Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist 50

EVERYTHING I’VE KNOW

BURN INTO HELL

AND EVERYTHING I’VE SEEN

FALL INTO YOU

ALL BOILS DOWN

AND ALL IS WELL

IS THIS A DREAM?

JUST FOR THE MOMENT

IT FEELS SO WRONG

IS ALL IT TAKES

YET IT FEELS SO RIGHT

NOW I CAN SEE

IF I JUST

THE REAL FROM THE FAKE

GOT HIGH TONIGHT

REAL WILL BE THERE

WON’T NOBODY LISTEN

EVERYDAY

WILL ANYBODY CARE?

FAKE WILL STAND BY

IF I MADE A MOVE

ANYWAY

JUST SAY I DARE

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

I DARE YOU TO LOVE

DO YOU KNOW?

BUT I WANT YOU TO HATE

SOON I HOPE

IS THIS MY LIFE?

TIME WILL SHOW

OR IS IT FATE

FRIENDS AND FOES

COULD BE THE BEGINNING

WILL COME AND GO

MIGHT BE THE END

PEOPLE CHANGE

DON’T KNOW THE TRUTH

THIS I KNOW

I CAN’T PRETEND

LIFE CAN STOP

SICK OF THE LIE’S

ON A DIME

SICK OF MYSELF

MY LOVE FOR YOU

THESE ARE THE CARDS

SHOULD BE A CRIME

THAT I’VE BEEN DEALT

LOCK LOVE AWAY

TOO MAY PEOPLE

IT WILL ESCAPE

GET IT THE WAY

AND MAKE ITS WAY BACK

WISH I COULD MAKE THEM

TO ITS MATE

FADE AWAY

— Anonymous

FLOAT IT TO HEAVEN

Penn Foundation

51

52

RASHAD CHERRY

Change is slow, uncomfortable, difficult, weird, embarrassing, beautiful, amazing, possible & SO WORTH THE WORK.

Untitled Acrylic Painting

— Tara Calderbank PRO-ACT

Courtesy of the artist

53

54

NASIR FINNEY

Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come.

Two Trees Acrylic Painting

You wait and watch and work; you don’t give up.

Courtesy of the artist

— Anne Lamott Quote chosen by Per Hagen PRO-ACT

55

WILLOW CAROLUS

Untitled Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

56

Welcome to Hell Welcome to Hell the sign should have read, Reading your destination, all in your head.

Last call for the train headed nowhere fast!

Want to buy a ticket? “What’s the cost” you ask.

Just hop onboard, we’ll talk once you’re trashed.

You’ll cheat and steal to have that fix.

Won’t take baby to the doctor, although she’s sick.

Getting another pull #1 on the list.

Oops! Another baby appointment missed!

Grandma buys diapers, because daddy stays high, Daddy hits mommy, and the baby cries.

After years of the bliss, the kids got took.

Daddy is a junkie and fast becoming a crook.

You’ll land in jail, a drug addict you remain.

Your heart turned cold as you play the game.

Close your eyes and picture something grand.

No peaking! Now trust me and give me your hand.

To a beach with water and the sun shining down, No beach here! You’re hell bound.

Do not pass go-strip your dignity right there.

This old man wants you, so dry your tears.

Quote a price! Self-respect long forgotten You’ll sell your soul to the devil for oxycontin.

Of course, there’s water! But it’s for your rig and spoon.

Lil’ boy, don’t be afraid 13 years isn’t that soon.

The men don’t cite, but you’ll be messed up beyond belief, When you finally do pass out, not remembering-what a relief!

I told you boy, the destination ahead!

Welcome to Hell next stop, you’ll be dead.

I told you that I’d stick it out ‘til the end.

For me: you traded your dreams and your kids.

For me: your addiction, life and faithful friends

Ashamed to face mommy, gotta have the coke!

Shooting dope every day, a boy with dreams now lost all hope.

I laugh at you so you toss your life in the wind.

Too far gone now, it’s us ‘till the end.

Anonymous

I’ll be there when you lose your pride, When you forget your morals, I’m at your side.

57

58

HUGO ALVAREZ

Drunkards’s Lament

Untitled Acrylic Painting

We met when we were young And you made me feel so strong So I never let you go Now I’ve nothing left to show And you called me by my name Led me through the pain Made the wrong seem right Helped me make it through the night

Courtesy of the artist

But I can’t remain the same I can’t remain the same And these things I’ve tried to change Just lead me here again Comes a parting of the ways The end of all our days A time to say goodbye Darling please don’t cry I’ll hold it in heart As I step into the dark The light begins to fade And there’s nothing more to say And I can’t remain the same I can’t remain the same But these things I’ve tried to change Just lead me here Again Cross my heart and hope to die Stick a needle in my eye There’s a better world ahead In the sky, lord In the sky – SH Penn Foundation 59

60

LUIS BASTIDA

I support someone who has alcohol/drug addiction.

Gradient Acrylic Painting

Eleven years ago, because of his addiction, he ended up in the Hospital from a “bad batch of cocaine.”

Since then he has been on dialysis because both of his kidney shut Down and has had multiple stomach surgeries.

Because he continues to struggle with alcohol while on dialysis, he has been hospitalized numerous times.

Each time he is admitted, the doctors tell me, “This is probably the end.”

(He has been on life support, as well.)

Courtesy of the artist

So, it has been a rough road for me as well. Constantly worrying Which causes my own anxiety to worsen.

Although I know I cannot control what he does, it breaks my heart every time he drinks.

I love him dearly, but the lies and hospitalization have definitely Caused a lot of pain and anger.

I’ve had to come to the realization that I could lose him but only he can control what he does to himself.

I now have to fight with constant guilt of should I stay??

Do I continue to be by his side while he makes bad decisions, knowing he is dying, or should I stop allowing myself to be tortured, not knowing when it will kill him?

Hope Worx

61

MELANIE DARDIN

Retracing Steps Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

62

NERVES ON EDGE JITTERY WITH STRESS MY NEST OF TANGLED NERVE RECEPTORS SCREAM AS THE BAD IDEAS FLOOD TOGETHER WITH ALL LOGIC FACED WITH VERY FEW CHOICES. IS THE CORRECT ROUTE ALWAYS TRULY THE CORRECT DECISION? WHEN STARING FREEDOM IN THE FACE, ON A JOUNEY OF MY NEW BEGINNINGS. IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE IT ALL TAKEN RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES? IS IT JUST A SHORT CIRCUIT? AS THE THOUGHTS FILL MY PERIPHERALS AT THE CROSS ROADS OF GOOD AND EVIL DO I LET THE DEMONS FROM WITHIN TAKE THE WHEEL? FOR YET ANOTHER ROLLER-COASTER RIDE OF PAIN? OR DO I FACE THE 3 HEADED SERPENT MONO E MONO? A LIFTIME OF FEAR FOLLOWED BY SPROADIC RASH AND UNHEALTHY RISKS TAKEN. TO FINALLY HAVE CONTROL OF DESTINY ONLY TO BATTLE ONCE MORE. THE OPTIONS BECOME FAR AND FEW IN BETWEEN THE ANSWER IS CLEAR THE OUTCOME IS ONE I HAVE ENDURED MANY TIMES BEFORE IT IS A PATH CARVED FROM STEEL AND CONCRETE A WAR ZONE WHERE ONLY GLADIATORS STRIVE. THROUGH THIS LIFE IT IS A PLACE VERY FAMILIAR TO ME. IT HAS BEEN MY INCUBATOR. MY PLAYGROUND AND AT NUMEROUS POINTS MY HOME I AM A WARRIOR. MY FEAR WAS BIRTHED NOT OF THE POTENTIAL OUTCOME BUT RATHER FROM THE WHEREWITHAL TO KNOW NOT THE ROAD THAT I WILL BE DRIVING ON BUT FOR THE MAN THAT WILL WALK OUT OF THE ABYSS. THIS IS A BATTLE TORN AND WAR READY MONSTER. KEEN IN THE AREA OF DECEPTION TRAINED IN THE ART OF DIVERTING AND A MASTER OF MANIPULATION. AS THE HOURS TURN TO MINUTES THE CHOICE IS VERY CLEAR. THE MAN THAT STANDS HERE TODAY IS A MAN IN SEARCH FOR THE MAN THAT HAS BEEN REBORN AND AWOKEN INSIDE OF HIMSELF. A MAN THAT HAS FEAR AS WELL AS MAKES HIMSELF VULNERABLE. THIS IS A HONEST RESPECTABLE MAN. AS THE MAYHEM IN MY HEAD FADES AWAY THERE IS ONLY ONE OUTCOME LEFT STANDING. IT IS AS CLEAR AS THE AURORA BOREALIS BEAUTIFUL AND HUMBLING TODAY I MAKE A STRIDE INTO THE SKY WHERE I HOPE TO MEET THE REBORN MAN INSIDE. -NICK B Penn Foundation 63

MARY “CAT” SONTAG

Light Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

64

The Light Feeling small in a world where everyone is so big, you want to be their size. You cannot understand how they got to what they are. You try the same things to get that way. You are still small and hopelessly confused.

You are empty. You are alone. You need to feel better. You search for a way to feel good, to fill that void. You search in all the wrong places. There is darkness where there needs to be light. The only like you see is one that does not last.

There are shimmers of bright lights. Little sparkles that shine at the wrong times, disturbing your sleep and normal activities. You keep reaching for it over and over again, thinking that you like it.

It only burns for short periods of time. You keep touching the sparkles because it makes you feel euphoric, better than you ever felt. You become captivated, infatuated and obsessed with this feeling. It does not scar at first.

Sometimes they are embers that turn into fires, social events where everyone is enjoying themselves. Sounds of laughter, joy and celebration fill the air, but the flames quickly fade into dull, depressing cinders. Hopelessness sinks deep into your soul again.

There is not light, just emptiness until the flame reignites quickly and makes you feel alive.

It tricks you into a life of false hope, love and happiness, but fades just as fast as it ignited. You feel something reaching for you, pulling towards you. You do not know how to grab it and are not sure if you want to.

You are not sure if there is a way out. There might still be a light, a sparkle there.

Sometimes it makes you feel good, but always brings you back to the darkness again.

Why does this happen to you? Others have sparkles but they do not get burned. So why do the sparkles burn you?

L. J. Penn Foundation

65

66

JALYN WEST

Let Life Bloom-Don’t Let it Burn Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

BRUSH WITH THE LAW 67

68

JESUS ARMANDO RODRIGUEZ CAMPOS

Miracle It’s not the parting of a sea or last second touchdown catch. It’s not winning the lottery or even surviving a crash, as great as they seem. I never fully understood miracles, or was part of one, until faced with dependency on prescription drugs.

At the lowest, darkest moments of my life, when surviving a few hours without a pill seemed impossible, the miracle happened.

Valora a la Persona Que Tienes a Lado Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

I didn’t believe I could do it. I didn’t believe I had the strength. I didn’t believe anyone would support me. I was a weak person. And yet, I found the strength to commit to recovery. I found support through fellowship, friendship, and family to weather the painful physical and emotional effects of recovery.

In doing so, I become the miracle. I turned the lowest point of my life into my most profound accomplishment.

It’s a miracle available to the millions currently struggling with addiction and dependency who, as I once erroneously thought, do not believe they have the strength for recovery. The miracle is withing their grasps, and we are the world that can show give then the hope and support to reach it. Be the miracle.

MH Penn Foundation

69

70

IZZY WARSHAW

Untitled Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

BRUSH WITH THE LAW 71

ALEXIS HERNANDEZ

Addicted to Cash Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

72

My story starts when I moved from Philadelphia to Pottstown when I was a teenager.

Moving from Kensington to Pottstown was like night and day. It didn’t take long to make plenty of friends and become a popular person. I started smoking and selling weed when I was 15. I never got addicted to any drugs but I did get addicted to making the quick money. As I got older, more and more of my friends started using harder drugs.

So, I always sold weed but started selling harder drugs to keep up with the demand and make more money, By the time I was 19, I had my own apartment, a nice car, and plenty of money in my pocket. I was moving 15 pounds of weed every week of and a few ounces of coke.

So, the money was rolling in cars, motorcycles, top of the line clothes, gold chains and rings, money, and girls. While I was being blinded by the money, my friend’s families started falling apart, and started losing jobs, cars, and families. But I didn’t care, I always said, “they’re gonna get it from somewhere, might as well be me” A few friends lost their businesses spending their money with me. I was living good and everyone I sold to was falling apart but I always but the money over everything.

Everything except my family and kids, I always made sure they had everything they needed and wanted.

And years and years went on doing the same thing. Selling different drugs as the time changed. And then one day, it all came to an end.

I had got caught talking on the phone that was tapped. And the cops and the FBI came to one of my houses and kicked in the door, scared my family, and tossed the house upside down in search of drugs and money. They didn’t find anything but they still had me talking on the phone.

So, I got booked. And was taken from my family and kids and the ones I love. I’ve made good money and had nice things but now I helped wreck people’s lives and being in jail away from my family and kids kills my heart every day And just that alone makes none of the quick money worth it.

Brush with the Law

73

74

AALIYAH HILL

A Couple Words to Describe Addiction Heartache

Untitled Pencil and Charcoal Drawing

Betrayal Worthless Self-centeredness — Charles

Courtesy of the artist

Brush with the Law

75

URSULA CRANEY

Untitled Pencil and Charcoal Drawing Courtesy of the artist

76

Wildflowers grow thru the cracks in the sidewalk, with no pinky promise of finding the sun. Color drenched petals of uncertainty, footprint stained alley ways. A whole world above filled with air they cannot seem to reach. Choose to grow, try to live, or begin to wither away anyways. Planted in the darkness and you still will emerge with beautiful pedals accompanied by warm sun-catching leaves, you just haven’t felt it yet. You were blessed with the life of a struggle; you were given the roots to grow thru this. You will be the reason others decide to try, you the wildflower that outlived seemingly unfair environments and circumstances. The wildflower that developed thorns, the wildflower that could not see their own color stained pedals but chose to grow anyways with only ambitions that they would one day be there. The colors have always been there & you have earned more than the right to let them dance in the sun.

Choosing to grow even without the guarantee of living you will see that even those without this sidewalk ahead of them are not promised a life worth living either. I have never seen more proud pedals then the ones staring back at me when I skip the cracks not trying to break my mother’s back. Give my roots a look if you do not believe me, they speak truer than my pedals any days. I will be waiting here where the sidewalk ends and life begins.

— A. S. Penn Foundation

77

78

IZZY WARSHAW

Art, addiction, creativity, time, lots of time etc...

Untitled Drawing

Small slimy slugs slowly eat my body....

The sun shine burns life into all that it touches...

Courtesy of the artist

The metronome steadily clicks away..

Never yielding PAIN... of loss, fear of the future, knowing tomorrow will come, sleepless nights, Leg cramps, hopelessness....

LOVE ‌ of loss, of the future, knowing tomorrow WILL come, a good night’s sleep, happiness.

The metronome clicks away, NEVER YIELDING....

Pain becomes hope, doubt becomes help. Discipline and patients are learned attributes.

The struggle is real, it never goes away

by Rocky Penn Foundation

79

80

LAURELYE KELLY

Flowers grow back even after the harshest of winters,

Untitled Pen and Charcoal Drawing

You will too.

Courtesy of the artist

— Jeanne Cecilia Quote chosen by Brittaney Margiotta PRO-ACT

81

82

ZHONTAY CAPERS

New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.

Untitled Pencil Drawing

— Lao Tzo Quote chosen by: Anonymous PRO-ACT

Courtesy of the artist

83

84

KARLEE MUELLERROMERO

SADD Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

HOPE WORX 85

86

NASIR FINNEY

Untitled Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

BRUSH WITH THE LAW 87

KAYLA ABEL

Drugs vs. Love Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

88

Him: Drugs can be a trip, can’t they? Just imagine being a young man without a care in the world and one day you and your friends find some weed. You light it up and have a few puffs. Nothing bad. Life’s good.

Then one day, your dad’s gone and suddenly the weight of being the man of the house falls on your shoulders. Life gets harder as you try to help out and the stress builds. That weed you found seems to make it into your hand more and more, until it’s gone, and only more is what makes you feel right now.

Then, one day, a new man appears. A stepdad is now in your life. His presence eases things and makes life enjoyable again… until he shows his true colors. The weed helps the escape, but the bruises on you and your siblings is a constant reminder that you’re nothing more than a coward. Someone says “you need something harder?” Something harder? With a small stab, it flows through you, and suddenly he’s not a looming figure but a man beaten down. “What did you do!?” your mom screams, cowering in a corner.

You must realize it someday on that day you became the thing you wanted to get rid of.

Her: Alcohol can be a kicker, right? Imagine being a young girl with the world ahead of you. You’ve got lots of friends and a mom who supports you in achieving your goals. Life’s good.

One day, your friend shows you what she stole out of her dad’s cabinet: a bottle of Jack. You all take a sip, and a first, it’s the worst thing you’ve ever tasted but before you know it, the bottle’s gone. Drink after drink leads to many bad choices, then a baby is born. A child taking care of a child seems impossible, but all that liquid courage spurs you on until you find yourself someone who you think will help you. That man who will make you a prisoner and who will raise his hand if you disagree with your position. Drinking is one of the only things that numbs the pain. Years go by until you can’t take it and you use that bottle to make your escape. With your mom as your rock, you say goodbye to Jack, for now.

Years pass and your mom, your rock, takes her final breath. “Is this my fault?” rebounds in your head.

‘I didn’t mean to” echoes into the bottle and makes you sick. You know how she felt and why this happened, but this won’t stop the spiral that started. Drinking in the day, at night, weekdays, weekends, any chance you get to forget the way things used to be.

Me: Life is downward spiral. Joy seems nonexistent and my mind and my body slowly fade. I’m hard on myself for no reason and let others drag me down too much. But why do I avoid drugs and drinking? I may not be okay in health, life, or even love, but I’ve seen just how destructive these paths are. I’m fine dealing with my demons on my own and I don’t need to escape this world like that. Even though they might not have done best up until this point, the fact that they still stand after the all the have been through shows that will and determination are stronger than any drug or drink.

The refuse to fold, and I will do the same.

Hope Worx

89

90

ROSALEE RICO-VALLEJO

When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the

Untitled Acrylic Painting

unknown, faith is knowing one of the two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on or you will

Courtesy of the artist

be taught to fly.

— Patrick Overton PRO-ACT

91

92

JAIONA GORDON

My name is Anita.

I’ve struggled with mental illness and addiction for a long time. I finally have

The Endless Acrylic Painting

my life on the right track.

I understand my mental health will not get taken care of

Courtesy of the artist

if I do not take my medication.

I also realize that I am an addicted and if I use, I lose.

Here Comes the Sun Acrylic Painting

So, I stay away from drugs and alcohol.

My life has gotten a lot better now that I have a support

Courtesy of the artist

system and I love myself today.

Life is precious and also short, So I cherish every day and give thanks to God. Hope Worx

93

94

DERECK CORE

Overboard Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

BRUSH WITH THE LAW 95

96

KAITLIN OJEDA

Misery Ocean Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

BRUSH WITH THE LAW 97

98

JAIONA GORDON

July 23rd, 2019 My name is Henry Harvey. I’ve 54 years of age I started drugging and drinking at the age of

You Have the Power Acrylic Painting

eleven. Ran away from home, living on the street, staying from place to place to place. Been coming back and forth to jail from sixteen until now. I can truly say that I’m tired. I’m married

Courtesy of the artist

now. Two wonderful kids, 10 and 17 years of age.

As a father figure to you young kids, please do the right thing and stay away from drugs and drinking. It leads to jail.

God Bless Brush with the Law

99

Henry Harvey

100

DAVID BROWN

Josh’s Story Family chaos, feelings of loneliness and anxiety, and plain old curiosity led Josh to take his first

Untitled Acrylic Painting

drink at age 13. His family had a stocked bar in the house, and he saw family members use alcohol as a reward. “You came home from work and had a cold beer,” remembers Josh. Throughout high

Courtesy of the artist

school and college, Josh continued to drink even more. “I didn’t like to feel things,” he says. “Alcohol became my comfort. It never let me down.” It took several DUIs and four car accidents for Josh to finally realize that alcohol, had indeed, let him down.

One early morning, after a night of drinking, Josh drove around a curve too fast, and his car flipped. He was pinned in the car, in-and-out of consciousness. A couple happened to be passing by and called for help. Josh suffered severe injuries. As he recovered, Josh realized that “my life had become unmanageable. I was feeling hopeless and was starting to have thoughts of suicide. I remember thinking ‘Am I ever going to get this right?’”

Wanting to be a better person and realizing he didn’t know how to get there on his own, Josh sought treatment at Penn Foundation. With the support of his outpatient counselor, Josh is not 4.5 months sober and learning how to live a sober life. “I finally realized that I wasn’t missing out on anything by being sober.

My counselor truly cares about me and has helped me to understand why I made the choices I did, to accept the things I can’t change, and to make healthier choices. Thanks to Penn Foundation, I am proud of my life now, and I am excited for the future.”

PRO-ACT

101

102

MARCUS MORGRIDGE

Getting over painful experiences is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point to

Bars of Life Acrylic Painting

move forward.

Courtesy of the artist

— Lindsey H. PRO-ACT

103

104

LIBERTY R. MILLIGAN WILLIAMS

Clean vs. Dirty Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

HOPE WORX 105

106

Avenue Woman

KEVINA HARRIS

She’ll bring back another one Then goes back out to sell her body While I wait for her to

Escaping Darkness Acrylic Painting

Come back with another hit Two days went by I would go out to sell salvaged/unwanted items Just to buy another one

Courtesy of the artist

So one week went by Doing the same thing Two months went by Doing the same thing Somebody had to stop this We were caught in the grip Over again and again Two broken hearts Wanting to be free She was a very giving person Just wanting love And to be loved and A safe place to get high It was better than a trap house At least I wasn’t alone It was a strange kind of love I knew I was going to move on She is probably still going on the same way With somebody else Her life was Kensington Ave Prostituting To keep her and somebody else high Her name was Lura I had to leave She asked if I was coming back I lied and said I was I had to save myself She was much younger than me She had more running to do I’m sorry I left you like that I needed to be rescued from myself.

— Robert Squires Penn Foundation 107

108

CHRISTIAN REYES

The Glitch Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

BRUSH WITH THE LAW 109

JAQUELINE SANCHEZ

Untitled Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

110

I love to write it’s how I connect with another person especially kids…I fell like a super hero!!! My favorite superhero is Hell Boy and Black Panther especially X-Men and Night Crawler and the Ice Man. I feel like everyone has a weakness. Nobody is invincible like those guys. Like drugs and alcohol. I lost a lot of friends and family just being around that stuff. I felt I needed to fit because everyone else was doing it. I started losing myself mentally and started having bad thoughts it was a bunch of evil it was bad and it started to mirror itself through my music and I knew I wasn’t a bad person. And I was raised from a good family…

It was people, places, and things that had a negative impact on me.

From being an honor roll student and having perfect attendance and having a positive influence on my peers once I graduated and came out into the world. I felt lost and trapped like I couldn’t find what I really wanted to do!!!

I had a lot of bottled up anger inside of me which ended me up in jail for 11 months due to lack of communication because I always had a tough time expressing how I felt even as a kid…

I don’t deserve to be in that place. What the cop saw was an angry, violent, and wild man but they did not look to see the good inside of me. It was like going through a dark portal. My favorite Mortal Kombat character is Noob Sailbot. The reason why I like him is because he can control the powers of darkness and that what I feel I have the ability to do is control the evil within myself and around me. Kick ASS!!! P.S.A. I love video games and all kind of movies and comic books especially when it comes to my music. Definitely look into space, Egyptian history, spirituality and overall yourself!!!

Hope Worx

111

112

JAYLEN CRAWFORD

Leap and the net will appear — Sabrina Dalton

Mistakes Acrylic Painting

PRO-ACT

Courtesy of the artist

113

CRYSTIANA WILLIAMS

Untitled Acrylic Painting Courtesy of the artist

114

Tug of War By: Amanda R Trapped and broken words left unspoken. I have this plan, to try to make you understand, the torment within. But if life and death are the power of the tongue, then the melody of my hear is better left unsung. And if my words create death, and take away my breath, how can this be, I can’t even see! Or does fear hold me back, showing me my lack? Or do I hide in the shadows because of my pride? Afraid of what’s inside, I’m living a lie! I’ve been playing this game with a friend named Shame, who promised to keep by fame, as long as I live behind his name, he said he’ll keep me sane, and not expose my pain and I do have somebody to blame, for not feeling the same as you. And don’t get me started on that guy named guilt, he thinks that I’ll be fine behind this wall that he built. He and his buddies, they tug at my will. They promised me safety, yet they’re out for the kill! Obsessive thinking clouds my mind, this guy Paranoia, he’s one of a kind! He distorts my reality and robs me blind! Is there any peace for my sole to find. My Mind implodes, my heart explodes. I cannot seem to carry these burdens and loads! Anxious and stressed, heavy and pressed. Wondering if it’s possible to find some rest? Displeased, well-grieved peeved, not relieved. I’m squeezed, I’m skeeved dry heaves, I can’t breathe! Can I escapes from what I believe to be fate? Will I let go, surrender, and flow? Unsure, feeling poor, being lured, my mind roars! Confused, unamused, anger fused, being used. Is it possible, probable and unstoppable to be free? Or will I continue to hide behind the walls within me?

Penn Foundation

115

116

IZAIAH WELLS

2 Masks Mixed Media Courtesy of the artist

BRUSH WITH THE LAW 117

118

ASIA WILLIAMS

BY; R. GORGEOUS I STILL FEEL YOU

Untitled Acrylic Painting

REACHING FOR ME FROM THE VOID CALLING FROM THE ETHER

Courtesy of the artist

SO I REACH BACK INTO THE BLACK BUT IT WASN’T YOU THAT CAME THROUGH NOW A HEAVINESS ON MY SOUL SOMETHING DEEP & DARK NOW TAKES HOLD & WHAT WAS ONCE MINE IS NOW NOT MY OWN Penn Foundation

119

QUINN TAYLOR

Untitled Pencil and Charcoal Drawing Courtesy of the artist

120

BRUSH WITH THE LAW

121

122

NYSHAY HANTON

Untitled Pencil and Charcoal Drawing Courtesy of the artist

HOPE WORX 123

SPIRIT NOLAND

Untitled Pencil and Charcoal Drawing Courtesy of the artist

124

Phenomenon (Verse 1) I got these thoughts in my head I toss and turn in my bed I got these thoughts in my head If I keep this up I’ll be dead (Bridge) One cup two cup three cup four, when I started out I just wanted one more.

One hit two hit three hits four, when I started out I just wanted one more. *2 (Chorus) I feel it coming on, the darkness has killed my dawn I keep it inside so no one Can hear that song constantly filling me with sadness and fear, cries of loved Ones on loop is all I hear.

There is no forgiveness here, crying won’t save you, praying for forgiveness, Please God give me persistence.

(Verse 2) I been fighting with myself for a long time.

Trying to keep the devil out of my mind.

As hard as I try, Instead of fast forward I just rewind (Bridge) It goes one girl two girls three girls four, when I count my money I ain’t got no More.

Four girls three girls two girls none and when I think about it I ain’t had no Fun. One bug two bug three bugs four, crawling on my skin while I’m lying on the floor.

(Chorus) I feel it coming on, the darkness has killed my dawn.

I keep it inside so no one can hear that song. Constantly filling me with sadness And fear, cries of loved ones in a loop is all I hear There is no forgiveness here and crying won’t save you, Pray for forgiveness, Please God give me persistence.

by Ian.R Penn Foundation

125

126

N’AHKIAH PATTERSON

Change takes root, blooms in forgotten fields of my mind. It is here I sit, write thank you letters to old habits they were

Untitled Pencil Drawing

a compass that led me home.

— Annoymous

Courtesy of the artist

PRO-ACT

127

128

ZAHIR TRANKS

In recovery, we need to meet people where they are at, but don’t leave them there.

Untitled Pencil and Charcoal Drawing

— Anonymous PRO-ACT

Courtesy of the artist

129

RASHAD CHERRY

Untitled Pencil and Charcoal Drawing Courtesy of the artist

130

Here’s a little about myself and my addiction: I come from a good family.

As I grew up, I hit the age of 13 And I started using drugs.

My first drug I ever tried was weed and that was The start of hell for me. By the time I was 17 years old, I had tried every pill Under the sun. that lead me to heroin For the first time. Why whole live turned Upside down after that.

I lost family and friends from stealing from them And lying to get by for my high.

So, that lead me to jail.

Every year since 2014, I’ve been in jail.

I lost a lot of time with my family and my daughter.

I’m still losing the battle with addiction at the Age of 32.

Don’t

Do

Drugs

Brush with the Law

131

132

KUSE

Rehab hair, don’t care.

Helping others- being really there.

I was drowning, my cup overflowing.

Untitled Pencil Drawing

No chains, no pains.

Thriving – living.

Thrive – alive.

Courtesy of the artist

Really tasting life again – Dealing with life, not avoiding, no Running.

Not contemplating easy way out.

Really laughing.

No anxiety.

Blood pressure low, not sky high.

Not Wanting to die.

PBS Penn Foundation

133

Š 2020 Woodmere Art Museum. All rights reserved.

Front cover: Untitled, undated, by Lamont Green (Courtesy of the artist)

9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 woodmereartmuseum.org