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FEATURING ART OF KEITH HARWARD

With the start of this brand new year, it's my intention to regularly feature the works of various artists whose artwork delights the eyes, brings a smile to one's face, causes one to pause and reflect and/or to see the world in a different way.

For your enjoyment is a small collection (nine drawings total - just scroll from one to the next!) of primarily colored pencil drawings by Keith Harward of Virginia.

As you can see, Keith loves birds. But, on occasion, he will draw other animals upon my request including two wonderful drawings of a female brindle Greyhound I used to have named Sonya Rosa. Keith caught her "roaching" perfectly. Roaching is the term used for when a greyhound lies on its back with its paws up in the air in this high chested position. To see images of Keith's bird artwork and to place orders, please check out the Freedom Fundraising page. 

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director

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HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!

What better way to WISH you a brand NEW YEAR than to share with you some pics of a wonderfully handcrafted Wishing Well by incarcerated artist, Carlitos Ramirez.

It measures 6-1/2 x 3-1/2" x 3-12 with a little hand crank to one side that rotates and manually elevates and lowers the silver bucket up and down the well. It also has cut out openings on each side of the slanted top of the well to insert and show off your favorite small photos or artwork. So much fun!

My wish for P.A.T.H. is for a fruitful year of exciting art exhibits and successful fundraising events. What's your wish?

WISHING YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!

God bless you all!

Leslie, Director

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HOLIDAY GREETINGS!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

It's been only a short nine months since P.A.T.H. was originally conceived and founded. Yet, we've already managed to put on two worthwhile fundraising art exhibits, which would not have been possible if not for the generous donations of artwork by so many wonderfully warm hearted, generous in spirit and talented incarcerated artists who chose to participate.

May the New Year 2016 be filled with compassion, promise, freedom of creative expression, rehabilitation, education, growth and benevolence toward these inmates and their families, as well to all those in the community in need of assistance, and who benefit from P.A.T.H.'s fundraising events.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you again and again.

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director

Note: Adorable Santa puppy drawing by Gustavo Stanko

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HAPPY MUSICAL WINTER!

This past November, I attended a Classical music concert put on by the Lucas Valley Community Orchestra at the Christ Presbyterian Church in Terra Linda. Needless to say, the concert was excellent! But, what I didn't know until I was leaving and halfway out the door, was that it was a fundraising effort for a local non-profit called E.L.M. Never having heard of E.L.M. before, I quickly looked it up and was so impressed by what I read that I immediately contacted their Director, Jane Kramer to let her know that P.A.T.H. was interested in collaborating on some level to help raise funds for their awesome music programs.

*Enriching Lives Through Music *currently does just. It enriches the lives of over 120 students from the largely Latino immigrant Canal neighborhood of San Rafael, California through free and intensive music programs. Their students work with top-notch teachers, mentors, and musicians to progress from a tune on the recorder to a symphony, salsa or samba on a classical instrument.

So many of the incarcerated artists I correspond with write and tell me that E.L.M. is the right way to go for our children's future. They wish this kind of program was available to them when they were kids, and what a difference that would have made.

On Sunday December 20th at 2pm, E.L.M. will be holding a WINTER CONCERT at the Throckmorton Theater in Mill Valley. It's free! If your schedule avails, please come! If you click on the first image, you can continue to see pics of some of the children who play instruments in their program.

HAPPY MUSICAL WINTER! Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Just wanted to say:

WISHING YOU A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director

PS Artwork compliments of Oscar Barrascout

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ART BY CHRIS AVITEA

So many people have been asking me to create blogs showcasing the works of the individual incarcerated artists. So, I'll start with some art by Chris Avitea. 

Chris' work features all kinds of different animals and wildlife (which I personally love).  Also, he has a unique signature...that being the black and white, slightly scalloped border he draws (with either colored pencils or colored pens) around the perimeter of the paper.  

Enjoy! 

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director

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ART EXHIBIT A GREAT SUCCESS

A large array of truly stunning and charming artwork - created and donated by various talented incarcerated artists who desire to give back to the community through their art - was at the Lucas Valley Community Center for two weeks, ending with a closing Wine and Cheese party on a nice warm evening of October 22.  As you can see from the photos, it was not only a fun, but elegant and classy event.  

This fundraising event was to benefit DRAWBRIDGE – a San Rafael non-profit that provides art programs for homeless and disadvantaged children.  The artwork included images of wildlife, animals, landscapes and architecture (including Eichler designed homes) and attracted residents of the Lucas Valley and surrounding communities in Marin and San Francisco Bay area.  

P.A.T.H. is proud to be able to write a check in the amount of $775 to benefit Drawbridge and their excellent art programs. Giving begets giving! Can't get better than that.

Enjoy the pics!

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director

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A Great Big Hearty THANK YOU!

The recent October 10th-24th Art Fundraising Event to benefit DRAWBRIDGE of San Rafael, has come to a close and its success would not have been possible were it not for so many wonderful, generous, supportive, accommodating and hard-working folks!

So, with that in mind, P.A.T.H. would like to acknowledge and thank the following:

Janice Cunningham and Maggie McCann at LVHA for publicizing and hosting the exhibit at the Lucas Valley Community Center.

Local businesses who contributed products and services for fundraising raffle purposes:

Bloomers of Larkspur

Clover Stornetta

Coconut Secret

Coquelicot of Larkspur

Di Pietro Todd Salon

Folio Stationery and Gifts

Hearth and Home of Marin

Marinwood Market

Nothing But Bundt Cake

Skin Spirit

Sloats

Sol Food/Conchita

Teeny Cake

West End Nursery

Whole Foods Market (San Rafael)

William James Assoc.

Julie Scribner, Director of Drawbridge for working in tandem with P.A.T.H.

Terry and David Bremer who gave of their hard work and time to help install the show, as well party events. Major KUDOS!!!! And, to their dog, Dutch who wagged his tail and looked on.

Marilyn Lo Russo for her enduring support.

To MICHAEL'S Arts and Crafts (Terra Linda) Framing Staff for their aesthetic input with custom matting and framing of no less than 70 pieces of artwork.

To my sweet sister, Noemi who is invaluable when it comes to maintaining the P.A.T.H. website.

To all guests who came out to support the event.

And, last, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST....all the incredibly wonderful, talented and generous incarcerated artists who participated in this special fundraising effort.

THANK YOU ALL!  Leslie Lakes, Director

Note: Eichler drawing by Santiago Duran

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OPENING RECEPTION AT LVCC

Whew! So much work was put into getting this show of no less than 70 pieces of framed artwork up on the walls (an exciting yet, monumental task that I’d like to share with you in a pictorial story in another blog). So, with last minute flourishes; the final affixing of art title cards, arrangement of varied and fabulous raffle prizes, as well as assortment of boutique baked goods and beverages (compliments of local businesses) on several long tables set lengthwise along the glass windows looking out to the garden and Olympic size pool…the doors to the Lucas Valley Community Center swung open, and the P.A.T.H. “IMAGES FROM THE INSIDE” art fundraising exhibit to benefit DRAWBRIDGE began!

Smooth jazz filled the room as people trickled in. In light of so many other events and activities taking place over the extended Columbus Day holiday weekend, I was happy that folks made it out to this fun Opening Reception. I love talking with people and sharing information about the artwork and the artists who created the different pieces. Attached, for your visual pleasure is a short video of the event. Enjoy!

Leslie

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October Fundraising Event for DRAWBRIDGE

WOW! Let me tell you...putting together a major art fundraising event is no less complex (and fun) than organizing a wedding! What with so many myriad facets involved to bring this event to the public in style.

The current theme is IMAGES FROM THE INSIDE: WILDLIFE, LANDSCAPES AND ARCHITECTURE (including a number of original Eichler related drawings) and is open to the public - admission is free. It's a two week long art sale via Silent Auction to benefit DRAWBRIDGE - a San Rafael non-profit that provides art programs to homeless and under-served children. The art exhibit and sale takes place at the Lucas Valley Community Center in San Rafael. Please check the Calendar section of this website for more detailed information.

The Opening Reception is scheduled for Saturday October 10th from 1pm-5pm and expect to have a lot of fun since there will be music, refreshments, as well as an array pf wonderful products and services (generously donated by local businesses) for raffle purposes.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Take a minute to enjoy the video clip above created by High School artist/photographer/videographer - Tessa Gerould.

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MUSIC TO OUR EARS!

The *FLORA, FAUNA, MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES, AND MORE! *fundraising exhibit that was up on display for two months - June and July - at both the Marin Humane Society in Novato and the Bank of Marin in Mill Valley, CA, was very well received by the viewing public. A bunch of art pieces were sold via Silent Auction to happy art buyers who not only received a beautiful piece of professionally framed, original artwork, but also felt glad to be doing something to help further the goals of P.A.T.H.

One piece in particular – a stunning detailed, colored pen drawing of a hummingbird against carefully hand-drawn music staff and notes, was created by incarcerated artist – Victor Garcia.

Speaking of music, P.A.T.H. is very happy to announce that *San Quentin State Prison* acknowledged by letter a donation made of brand new music equipment – a KORG Keyboard and Case – to be utilized within the San Quentin Music Department and bands. An instrumental (no pun intended) part of stimulating the creative process and arts within the prison system! See pics included.

 

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FIRST TUESDAY ARTWALK RECEPTION AT THE BANK OF MARIN

On a warm July 7th, summer evening, smooth jazz filled the Bank of Marin lobby at 19 Sunnyside Avenue in Mill Valley, CA as interested patrons of the art filtered in through the open door.

No less than 30 pieces of artwork - created by talented incarcerated artists - are on display through the end of July. Artwork ranges from professionally matted and framed paintings and drawings in various mediums on paper, canvas or cloth, to small sculptures and hand-painted handcrafts.

The event and themed show FLORA, FAUNA, MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES and MORE is a special fundraising effort via Silent Auction to benefit the Marin Humane Society and Pen Pals of San Quentin.

Kudos and a heartfelt appreciation for the Bank of Marin staff who were willing to stay late. Also, a special thanks to both the MILL VALLEY MARKET for so graciously donating a cheese and fruit platter with basket of assorted breads and crackers, and to the Miller Avenue WHOLE FOODS MARKET who so generously donated a $100 Gift Certificate with which foodstuffs and beverages could be purchased for this event.

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ART EXHIBIT AT THE MARIN HUMANE SOCIETY

While "FLORA, FAUNA, MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES and More" *continues at the BANK OF MARIN in Mill Valley through the end of July,* the display of art at the Marin Humane Society in Novato, CA concluded on June 30th. It was well received and here are some of the pieces that were bid on and sold via the still on-going Silent Auction. Amongst them, a hand-painted ceramic teddy bear and balloon working clock; a frog titled *"By Amphibian Design"; a Pitt Bull on "panos" (cloth) titled *"Resolute", and last but not least, a sweet puppy titled "Let's Play". I'd like to thank patrons of the art, as well as lovers of animals for supporting this special fundraising cause! Below is a warm and gracious quote from the Director of Volunteer Services at the animal shelter:

*"The display is gorgeous! You did a wonderful job and I feel certain that many people (were) moved by the artwork. *

*Thank you for all of your above and beyond efforts to increase awareness of the prisoners’ art therapy program as well as MHS.... I know the works were viewed and admired by many people coming into the Whittell building. We can’t know what impact it will have in the future and I can only imagine that many hearts were touched by the show.*

*I love your enthusiasm and spirit. We are fortunate to be the recipients of your kindness and inspirations.*

  • Kind regards"*

Anne B. Oliver

Director of Volunteer Services

MarinHumaneSociety.org

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Don’t miss this unique art exhibit!

"FLORA, FAUNA, MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURES, And More" is finally up for all to see and enjoy through the summer months of June and July!

A total of 60 pieces of artwork are showing at two separate venues: The Marin Humane Society in Novato and the Mill Valley branch of the Bank of Marin.

Artwork is meant to appeal to the entire family, including children. For instance, besides from drawings and paintings, some unique pieces featured in the show include a small sculpture of beetles and a lady bug meticulously fashioned from recycled plastic utensils; some detailed drawings of animals and dogs penned directly on white cotton T-Shirts, a vintage Birdhouse clock made of intricately and seamlessly glued together matchsticks, as well as a super sweet hand-painted ceramic Teddy Bear and Balloon clock with a working clock mechanism.

All artwork is for sale via Silent Auction and starting bid prices are very reasonably set. And, 50% of net profit from sales will benefit the Marin Humane Society and Pen Pals of San Quentin. Not a bad deal? I encourage and hope that you will make the time and effort to see this show.

AT THE MARIN HUMANE SOCIETY, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA; Whittel Lobby

WHEN: June 1st – June 30th Tuesdays thru Sunday 10am-5:30pm Wednesday until 6pm

AT THE BANK OF MARIN, 19 Sunnyside Ave., Mill Valley; Main Lobby

WHEN: June 1st – July 31st Monday thru Friday 10am-6pm

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P.A.T.H. Logo Design

Hi!  And, welcome to P.A.T.H. and inmate artwork at its finest! I am so happy that you logged onto this site and over time, I am eager to share with you a variety of styles of artwork from a number of very talented artists who are currently incarcerated in prisons throughout the Continental U.S.

I also look forward to sharing the artists’ stories, their individual approaches to art, what it means to them, and the different mediums that they use based on availability and access to materials deemed acceptable by respective prison regulations.  A large portion of artwork is created with the use of blue, black or colored pens; colored pencils, sometimes acrylic paints and on rare occasions oil on canvas. Since cotton fiber paper is generally prohibited, artwork is created on whatever paper the artists can get their hands on, which includes blank USPS post cards, 8-1/2” x 11” typing paper, the backs of prison regulation notices, the back of used manila envelopes and the like.  Paint brushes may be fashioned out of tightly rolled up paper, natural hair (cut from one’s locks) and held in place with a rubber band. When commercial art supplies are unavailable, “paint” colors are sourced from food color dyes from commissary “M & M” and/or “Skittles” candies, coffee and/or tea stains, as well as magazine or map paper colors.  Other resourceful mediums may include peanut butter, shaving cream, toothpaste and the like.  

Please note that these artists are very excited to have a public platform where their artwork and creative spirit can be viewed and appreciated, as well as serve a higher purpose and ultimately be a benefit to others.  

When I first asked a select number of artists to think of, and send me images for a possible logo design for the new P.A.T.H. art website, I ended up receiving some very interesting and unique drawings.  While, we ultimately decided to go with a more iconic logo design by a professional illustrator, I would like to commend and share with you some of the absolutely fabulous images that were sent and donated to P.A.T.H. by these artists.  And with their express permission, I still plan on using their artwork for fliers, business cards, stationery, event banners and for current and future events.  Enjoy and by all means, feel free to comment.

 

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