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.”

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Inside 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…

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ArtSpring 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.…

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Inside 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…

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Breaking 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…

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Jack & 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…

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Breaking 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…

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