Inside Out Participant, 2016
“It’s been about six years since I’ve taken psychotropic medications and six years since I’ve been given a disciplinary report. And though times are difficult here in prison, I’ve learned that in every situation I have choice. I will choose how to handle the situation and I will be responsible for the choice I make.”
Read MoreInside Out Participant, 2013
“I’ve learned self-discipline, independence, integrity, my purpose and my potential, but most of all, I’ve learned to be still. Through exercises and meditations, I’ve learned to settle my spirit, acknowledge my fears, concerns, temper my anger, deal with guilt and shame, accept the past for what it was and move forward. I don’t need drugs…
Read MoreArtSpring Inmate Mentor, 2014
“In theatre class, I learned commitment. I realized life isn’t all about me and what I’m going through, but that we are all connected in some way to complete a bigger picture. In theatre, we depended on each other to be each other’s cues and guides for the next scene. In dance, I learned accountability.…
Read MoreInside Out Participant 2015
“Thank you for being there for me. I write ‘me’ because it felt like ArtSpring was designed for me. I felt welcomed. I felt special. I felt cared for. In the space ArtSpring created I felt safe to open up and move past who I once was to become the woman I believe that I…
Read MoreDebbie, Inside Out Participant at Broward Correctional Institution, 1995 – now released
I think our group creates together something that is beautiful. I’ve learned to build better relationships. There was a time when I did not care about anyone, and I did not need anyone. I’ve learned to re-evaluate my thinking and re-evaluate people……Relationships are important. I find that if there’s any discord of any sort, especially…
Read MoreBreaking Free Participant from Girls Advocacy Project (GAP), 2005
I am currently detained in the juvenile detentions center, I have been here a long time and sometimes this place gets stressed and also depressed. It feels good when I can unwind and see something positive for a change. The ArtSpring program lets me appreciate the arts it lets me see that I can do…
Read MoreRuth, Inside Out Participant at Homestead Correctional Institution, 2001
Inside Out turned me around. It is a program that deserves praise in the highest form. We are women, wives, mothers, daughters and sisters. Our pain is our separation. Our group becomes a family of it’s own. We emotionally support one another and for some such as myself it is the only family we have.…
Read MoreSarah, Inside Out Participant at Homestead Correctional Institution, 2004
They are angels in the true sense, Because with their determination, commitment, trust and admiration, They have helped rehabilitate, form, and make us who we are …today. They have blessed us with the true gift of freedom. They have believed, when every one else gave up. And for that we are forever grateful.
Read MoreJack & Marsha Firestone Firestone Family Foundation
Last night’s performance and talk by ArtSpring was amazing. We were moved to both laughter and tears. Any stereotypes or misconceptions about women in prison were turned upside down and thrown out by the end of the evening. If ever anyone needed proof that the arts have the ability to effect change, your program is…
Read MoreBreaking Free Participant from Girls Advocacy Project (GAP), 2006
The program consists of music, poetry, dance, beats and rhythms. See people fail to remember that we have talents too. In the program even if you don’t want to participate you leave the group feeling energized and happy. I got a lot out of this program it gave me hope and a new outlook of…
Read More