HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Mother's Day is traditionally celebrated by gifting our mothers with something beautiful to thank them and let them know how much we appreciate their love, care and sacrifice.

Here is a truly beautiful and well made, original handcrafted, heart-shaped jewelry trinket box. It was created by incarcerated artist - Isacc Meraz. An original acrylic painting is inserted on the inside lid. The exterior measures 6.5" x 6" x 3". And, the interior measures 5" x 3.5" x 1.25"

It is currently for sale if you are interested in purchasing it.

Wishing all mothers a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

God bless!

Leslie, Director

HAPPY EASTER!

On the heels of Passover, I wanted to wish you a very HAPPY EASTER! 

While Easter is so much more than bunny rabbits, yellow chicks, colorful and decorative eggs (well hidden to find), lilies and hyacinths; not to mention chocolates in molds of any form you can possibly conjure...I wanted to share with you this super sweet card / art drawing that was created and sent to me by incarcerated artist - Victor Lugo.   Thank you, Victor! 

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director

Art credit:  Victor Lugo; CA

HAPPY (CHAD) PURIM!

Trevor Jones is an incredibly talented artist, and a pretty neat young man to boot!  I’ve been working with Trevor since 2015 and his artwork has been featured in exhibits at Alcatraz, San Francisco, as well as the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, TN. The museum appreciated his framed drawing so much that they purchased it for their permanent museum collection!

Over the past several years (2016-2019) Trevor had been working on creating his very own artistic interpretation and Illustrated Guide to each 22 letters of the Hebrew Alphabet.  This collection of art was originally going to be debuted May 2020 at the Memphis Jewish Community Center, followed by a three months long exhibit from September through December 2020 at the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, CA.   Unfortunately, Covid-19 squashed all those plans.  L

But, guess what? You get to see and enjoy them right here.  Originals and prints are available for purchase, and Trevor also accepts commissioned work.  I’m sharing a few images in this PATH blog.  To see the entire collection, log on HERE!

Artwork (all images are copyrighted):

Aleph: As the earth formed, hot magma rose to shatter the cooler crust, thus beginning the recycling of our planet's resources. Surrounded by galaxies, aided by the moon's gravitational forces, this picture shows our planet's birth.

Yod: This letter stands for worship, an act of inexhaustible perseverance, often of hardship. Worship is like a vine, sprouting and flourishing from a harsh, stony soil.

 Lamed: Striking the stone with his staff, Moshe (by God's permission) parted the sea, leading the Israelites away from the tyranny of Pharaoh.

 Resh: A Jewish man's head bowed in prayer. With yarmulke and peyote, this is truly a picture of piety.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY !

You’re going to enjoy watching this youtube video of the "Fastest Caricature Artist - Alani Jimenez”, as he draws a cute couple and captures their likeness with lightning speed.  So much fun!

But, what is so cool about this caricature portrait is that while the couple are friends of mine, the wildly mustached man in the drawing is a hard-working, fully employed, rising up the in the ranks with his construction job; a respected and well-loved grandfather…not to mention an incredibly talented and gifted, formerly incarcerated artist! His name is David Cortez and you can see a bunch of his finely detailed graphite and pen drawings by scrolling through the images on this blog.

Enjoy! 

Leslie, Director

HUMANS OF SAN QUENTIN: REAL LIFE STORIES BEHIND BARS

Not long ago, I met up with Diane who founded  HumansofSanQuentin.org  - a non-profit project that collects and posts real stories shared by people currently incarcerated in prisons throughout.   Similar to some of P.A.T.H.’s goals, HumansofSanQuentin aims to “…bring awareness and build connections ... to give voice to the unheard by sharing daily life inside prison…to educate and build compassion by sharing the lives of the humans living behind bars”.

Having personally volunteered for 1-1/2 years mentoring men at SQ, I was impressed with Diane’s passion and told Diane that PATH would love to collaborate.  So, I wrote to all the incarcerated artists I know who participate in PATH art fundraising projects, inviting them to submit their own stories to Humans of San Quentin. One man in particular – Jesus Cortez – a most fabulous artist who I have come to highly respect and befriend, contributed his moving and insightful story, which you can read by logging on HERE!

This past Spring, Jesus organized a group of men to sew face masks: not only for the prison staff and those incarcerated at Avenal State, but for essential workers and the local public community. From what I understand, well over 5k face masks were sewn and distributed (with the help of those in charge) by the Youth Offender Program at Avenal State Prison.  I wrote about it in a May 21, 2020 PATH blog that you can read HERE!

Thank you for your abiding interest in and compassion for those behind bars. 

God bless!

Leslie

Photo:

Jesus Cortez and Family

Jesus with men from their church group. Left to right: Brother Justo, Brother Joel, Jesus and Brother Isaac.

Pencil drawing that Jesus made for me, because I love hummingbirds

BOOKS BUILD A BRIDGE OF LOVE

Greetings!

Come Christmas, not to mention yet another Covid related lockdown mandate for the general public with the exception of essential workers and businesses, it’s a time of year to reflect on things that are most important to us.  And, one of them being – FAMILY!  

Yes, connecting /reconnecting with family is important, valued and cherished. It provides precious memories, the sharing of laughter, love and cuddles, as well as emotional support to carry us into an unknown New Year.  And, with that said, most especially for children whose mother or father happens to be incarcerated behind bars!  

For this reason, PATH has decided to collaborate with a very special Marin County Non–Profit called WALLS TO BRIDGES BOOK PROJECT.  WTB was founded by Alyssa Tamboura whose own father was incarcerated for 10 years during her early childhood and development.  Alyssa had no contact with her father and she struggled with feelings of abandonment and being unloved.  Now an adult young woman, Alyssa is in a position to give back and created WTB “… as an opportunity to help children still feel loved and connected to their incarcerated loved ones, as well as an opportunity to help incarcerated persons feel empowered in providing something for their children”. 

There are thousands of system impacted children in the State of California alone – a largely marginalized and invisible population.  WTB mails children a book “from” their incarcerated family member(s). Apart from WTB main purpose of establishing, building and strengthening familial ties and bonds, through this book gift project, it has an added benefit of being educational.  What child doesn’t love and appreciate receiving a special book just for them?  

Upon learning about WTB, PATH’s artists have happily jumped on board to create and donate original artwork to be made available for purchase; the proceeds of which will go to benefit Alyssa’s heartfelt project.  

In closing, thank you for your continued interest in PATH.  And, may your Christmas and coming New Year 2021 be blessed and bright. 

Leslie Lakes, Dir.

Artwork by John Van Tielen

 “Let’s Read”; 2020

Singin' the Covid Blues in "BLUE"

No doubt about it. The Covid virus has hit us all very hard. Whether out and about (with restrictions) in the free world, or incarcerated and on lockdown in prison throughout the country, it's so much a part of our current life and in our psyche. It affects our workplace, friend and family relations; our ability to socialize in person , as well as attend and enjoy a variety of cultural events. 

I wanted to share some drawings (all in blue ink pen - the artist's signature style) that illustrate the above. 

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, PATH Dir.

Atwork created by Andres Cabrera-Cabrera, Jr.; 2020

ALIEN BUTTERFLIES and BUTTER LOVIN’ BEES

Due to Covid 19 lockdown mandates, a wonderful major, inmate art, fundraising exhibit (BIRDS, BEES, BUTTERFLIES AND FLOWERS) that was originally scheduled to take place right now at the Community Congregational Church in Tiburon, CA through October 1st, was sadly cancelled.  No fault of the church.  So, I had to devise another means to show and make the art available for purchase where a portion of the proceeds would benefit the non-profit of choice; i.e., the ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL, I decided to post the artwork on Ebay.   

Artwork pertaining to the above mentioned theme, has been created and generously donated to PATH for this special purpose. Works have been received from inmate artists from all over the country.  But, this particular blog will feature the simultaneously imaginative, skillful, humorous, whimsical and charming artwork by a group of men in an art program at the Suwanee Correctional Institution in Live Oak, Florida under the artistic leadership of incarcerated artist  - Bradley Cain.  And, if you recall, I just recently wrote and sent out a PATH blog about Bradley’s graphic design for a business’ promotional T shirt.

Personally, I love and appreciate all the different styles of drawings, and I hope you will, too.  Some may look like children’s drawings, but to me they are purely delightful.

If you happen to be interested in any of these pieces of artwork, or a multitude of others (there's quite a large selection to choose from) in various mediums pertaining to Bird, Bees, Butterflies and Flowers, kindly let me know and I’ll direct you to the various images and Ebay posts.

Thanks, again for your interest in acknowledging and supporting these inmates’ artistic talents and kind hearts.

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Dir.

 Art credits:

"Love Hurts" by Anthony Garcia

"The Window" by Jeff Wichlinski

"Sunday Brunch" by David Thomas Bernier

"Butter Lovin' Bee" by Kenneth Webb

"Not Today Bee" by Jeff Wichlinski

"Bees and Flowers Black Pastel drawing by Kenneth Webb

"It's Our Beesness" by Jeff Wichlinski

"Alien Butterfly" by Kenneth Webb

"White Egret" by Anderson

"Mommy, I like... Bees" by Jeff Wichlinksi

"Mommy, I like...Butterflies" by Jeff Wichlinksi

WHEN IN JAIL, DRINK BEER?

If you like beer, and if you like art, you are in for a double treat! 

I was recently approached by Paul McGrane (co-owner with his brother Mark McGrane and sister-in-law, Jade) of the JAILHOUSE TAPS AND BREWS in Lead, South Dakota. Paul expressed an interest in purchasing one of  PATH’s incarcerated artist’s graphic designs to use on a souvenir promotional T-Shirt for their new craft beer taproom. Their Jailhouse Taps features the newest delicious, craft beers and happens to be located in the lower level of the historic Town Hall Inn in Lead, which was once a jail (1912-early 30’s). And, just a few days ago, on 9/4/20, their local “Black Hills Pioneer” newspaper published an article about it. 

Their Taproom T-shirt features (on the back side) the marvelous graphic design drawing by incarcerated artist, Bradley Cain.  A portion of the sales of these T’s will eventually go to support prison art programs where Bradley is incarcerated. 

Here you see me modeling a size medium, black on grey T-shirt. I am normally a size 8, so you can get a good idea of what size “T” you need to request when placing your order. Quality fabric and comfortable to the touch (50 %  Heavy Cotton and 50% Polyester).

Currently, they offer black on gray and white on black for local purchase in sizes Small through double XL. Their vendor will soon be setting up an online store at which point shirts can be ordered directly, any size, any color, any style. 

Thank you Bradley and thank you, Paul for making this great art and beer connection! 

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director

Art by Bradley Cain

NLADA ONLINE ART AUCTION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

NLADA (National Legal Aid & Defender Association ) ONLINE ART AUCTION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE: Taking Bids thru September 17th! 

Last year, I was approached by Katherine Denman (Senior Program Associate, Development & Programs for NLADA) to inquire if I’d be interested and willing to donate incarcerated artwork for their annual Fall 2020social justice-themed art auction.  The art auction would include pieces depicting justice issues ranging from incarceration to political protest. And, funds raised from auction sales proceeds would directly support NLADA's mission of expanding access of  justice for all. 

Because the quality of justice in America should not depend on how much money a person has, NLADA leads a broad network of advocates on the frontlines to advance justice and expand opportunity for all by promoting excellence in the delivery of legal services for people who cannot afford counsel. 

Needless to say, I was on board, went through, culled and shipped out approximately 53 pieces of original art created by a number of incarcerated artists who I work with from all over the country.  Art sent was in different sizes, mediums and subject matter.  

Many of the pieces I shipped are available for purchase via online bidding, and below are some of the many videos where NLADA staff members make interesting comments on the different pieces of art.  So, check it out and please help spread the word. To gain access directly to the online auction, click HERE!

Vid 1 (Art by Bradley J. Cain)

Vid 2 (Art by Jeremy J. Hammill)

Vid 3 (Art by Dorsey and Jeremy Hammill)

Vid 4 (Art by Monte Galvan)

Vid 5 (Art by Dom Congiardo (Lion); Eagle (L.L. Monte) and Cheetahs on Safari (Victor Garcia)

Vid 6 (Art by Brad Hart (Lion Cub) and Erik Mata (Jaguar)

Vid 7  (Art by Gilbert R. Loza (“Leslie”) and Anthony (“aka “Sonny”) Vasquez-Ramirez 

Vid 8 (Art by Andrew Valencia) 

Blessings and THANK YOU! 

Leslie Lakes, Dir.

REMEMBERING RONNIE

Like many people in prison, art is not just an escape, or a means to make a little extra money to buy necessary and desired provisions, but a profound platform for greater self-expression. And for Ronnie Lamont Goodman, a former marathon runner and self-taught artist, he was no exception.   Ronnie was an artist in every sense of the word and he embodied an animated “art spirit” up until the day he recently passed away on Thursday August 6th , 2020 less than two weeks after his 60th birthday.   By then a homeless artist eking out a living for himself on the streets of the Mission District in San Francisco.

I first met Ronnie briefly during a 1-1/2 year period of volunteering at San Quentin State Prison where he was incarcerated, and was especially enamored by his linocut pieces that often depicted musicians and saxophone players.   The second time I met Ronnie in person was after he had been released and at a June 2015 Arts in Corrections Conference: Opportunities for Justice and Rehabilitation that took place in San Francisco, and which I was honored to have the opportunity to attend. 

Ronnie’s artwork has been exhibited in a plethora of venues and over the years has received a great deal of press, radio interviews, videos and newspaper articles.

His art is mentioned in PATHS OF DISCOVERY: Art Practice and Its Impact in California Prisons (Second Edition) by Larry Brewster and Peter Merts, as well as a New York Review of Books: MARKING TIME: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration by Nicole R. Fleetwood that just came out this year!   

As it turned out, Ronnie’s artwork was about to be in a show at the MOMA PS1 gallery in Queens, NYC, and he was supposed to fly out to NYC for its opening in April, but it got postponed because of Covid.  

In remembering Ronnie, who died on the corner of Capp and 16th Streets, I look at something he once said:  “I am inspired by the beauty of this city and its diversity, balanced with the struggles of human despair. With my brush, I try to capture these raw emotions in painted images”.   

And, that he certainly did!  R.I.P. Ronnie!

For more information about Ronnie and his artwork, check out his flickr page

Blessings, 

Leslie Lakes, Director

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Photos of Ronnie and his street art in San Francisco courtesy of Kerry Rodgers

Ronnie Goodman’s Acrylic Painting; Untitled 2008; San Quentin 

Linocut Prints: Ruins of San Quentin

THEN, AND NOW

As Director of PATH, I had worked hard to schedule several incarcerated artist exhibits to be installed to take place this year.  One was scheduled to take place at the Memphis, TN Jewish Community Center this past May; another at the Community Congregational Church on top of scenic Rock Hill Road in Tiburon, CA (late August thru October 2nd, 2020); and the third at the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, CA (from September 2020 thru January 2021).  

Unfortunately (and sadly), all three fundraising art exhibits were cancelled due to the current covid situation and subsequent official mandates to “Shelter in Place”, face mask wearing and social distancing protocols.

This blog is to highlight and feature one of the (many) wonderful paintings that was to be installed in the “BIRDS, BEES, BUTTERFLIES AND FLOWERS” exhibit this Fall, and all potential sales of which was to directly benefit ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL.  The incarcerated artists I’ve been working with unanimously agreed that the proceeds from any and all sales of their artwork should go to this specific children’s non-profit organization.

I will be creating other blogs in the near future to highlight and share the other wonderful pieces of artwork (created and generously donated by other incarcerated artists from all around the country) for this very specific fundraising purpose, as well as give you the opportunity to purchase some really terrific artwork.

For now, I’d like to introduce and share, artist Ben Ballard’s  "THEN, AND NOW" © 2020

"THEN, AND NOW" is an original acrylic painting measuring 30" x 22".  It was painted on 140 lb Strathmore, 300 Series Watercolor Paper and finished with one coat of acrylic gloss.  The painting is signed by the artist on the back.  The painting is superb with lots of details, great perspective and impressionist lighting filtering through the trees.  If anything, it should bring the viewer back in time to conjure up memories of more innocent and golden childhood days.   Please see the artist's notes about his painting below:

 The House, representational of Abandonment

The Vintage Car, representational of Restoration

The Tire Swing, representational of the Loss of Childhood

The Flowers and Bird, representational of Life, Beauty and Nature Continuing On.

I have listed this painting on Ebay and it can be seen, as well as purchased HERE!  Any questions, please feel free to ask!

NOTE: 70% of proceeds from the sale of this painting will go directly to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Thank you for your interest! And, God bless!

Leslie Lakes, Director

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Images: "Then, And Now" by Ben Ballard, CA 2020

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Wishing you a very safe and HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!  

 A special day to celebrate the declaration on July 4th, 1776 of our Nation's independence and freedom from Great Britain's rule. 

In years to follow, the 4th of July would commonly be associated with fireworks, parades, carnivals, fairs, baseball games, barbeques, public speeches and family reunions. A special Federal holiday set aside when folks would gather on vast park lawns; where barely a space could be found between blankets, towels and lawn chairs set up, among picnic baskets and styrofoam chests filled with ice cold soda pop and beer.  Waiting, waiting, waiting (since many hours earlier in the day) for the sun to go down and for the fireworks show to start.

Blessings,

Leslie  

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Art image:

Colored ink pen on heavy gauge white cardstock by anonymous inmate. 

There is so much going on in this wonderful drawing. Fireworks, American Flags, a dog, Abraham Lincoln, Uncle Sam, mischievous kids, carnival games, etc., etc.   Can you spot them all?  Measures: 9" x 12" 

NOTE:  This drawing was sold and 15% of proceeds from the sale directly benefited PAWS AND STRIPES in Albuquerque, NM.    Paws and Stripes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for wounded veterans of our United States military that works to provide service dogs for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. The service dogs are obtained only from shelters, and are trained by professionals specializing in service dogs. The veteran chooses his own dog, and is involved in training.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Every year we allocate a day in June to celebrate Fathers.  But, do you know the history behind it? 

Father's Day was founded in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas. The nation's first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910 in the Spokane, WA YMCA.  Sonora Dodd's father, the Civil War veteran, William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children there.  

However, it was not until 1972–58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother's Day official–that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. 

Fathers are important!  Fathers are acknowledged as important influences on children in every society.  Fathers may provide protection, material resources, direct and/or indirect care and emotional nurturing, as well as serve as social role models.  

If you have a father who has loved and sacrificed for you, acknowledge him on this special day. Honor him and give him the love and respect he deserves. 

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director P.A.T.H.

 Image: Pen art drawing on handkerchief/panos by anonymous incarcerated artist.  Measures 17” x18”  

AND, ALL I CAN SEW IS A BUTTON!

Here’s giving thanks and kudos to the men in the Youth Offender Program (Y.O.P.) in “B” Yard at Avenal State Prison, CA for their genuine willingness to learn and apply their new found sewing skills to make hundreds…thousands of face masks to donate to first responders, prison staff and other inmates. 

As per my previous PATH blog, I was approached by Lorraine Lopez (Correctional Business Manager I) and Mike Tuntakit (Public Information Officer) both at Avenal State Prison, asking if it was possible for me (under the auspices of PATH) to purchase and ship the men fabrics for such purposes as they had run out, and yet, the need was still quite urgent.  

I immediately took the request seriously and got right on the ball placing an order with both JoAnn’s Fabric store in Corte Madera, as well as with various Ebay vendors who were selling cool vintage cottons.  I did my best to select textile patterns (colors and designs) that I thought the men would have fun working with (i.e., motorcycles, bears, dogs, vintage cars, wildlife, hummingbirds, etc.). 

Kudos to the men at Avenal for working hard to learn to sew and make hundreds/thousands of face masks. I have to hand it to them because the only thing I can sew is a button on a shirt. And, my mother was a professional fashion designer and seamstress. Ha! Ha!  

Can you imagine my delight when I received the beautiful handmade rose and butterfly card (see pics) the men collectively wrote on and sent me. The lady bug and one of the butterflies is in bas relief.  So pretty! 

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Dir.

Photo Credits: Mike Tuntakit 

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

Another year, and another Mother’s Day when we honor our mothers both individually, personally and collectively. 

Looking back and reflecting on a detailed graphite portrait that was created by formerly incarcerated artist - Dallas McGuffin (Texas) – shortly after my mother passed away on December 3, 1997… it helps me to remember her and how (during the last few years of her life) she loved to photograph people and places.  Dallas’ tribute portrait drawing so accurately captures my mother’s manners; her artistic hand and eye expressions.  And, curiously…most ironically, in this portrait my mother is holding up a lacy cloth mask across her nose and mouth.  If she only knew back then what we would be experiencing in this current day of Covid-19 and mandatory wearing of face masks and coverings.

May all mothers throughout be blessed by family and friends; remembered and honored. 

Leslie Lakes, Director

Avenal Inmates Sew Face Masks for First Responders

Just last week, Public Information Officer – Mike Tuntakit - for Avenal State Prison here in California, approached me via email.  Apparently, one of the inmates there had referred him to me c/o: PATH. Turns out that the men within YOP (Youth Offender Program), as well as other inmate volunteers at the prison are making face masks to donate to First Responders, loved ones, as well as the entire prison inmate population and prison employees for their own safety precautions. 

Since a couple of years ago, I had shipped them material (i.e., colorful assorted fleece fabrics, batting and fun buttons) in order to create handmade teddy bears for a PATH fundraising event, the men are currently in need of more fabric, specifically cotton for sewing hundreds…thousands of face masks. 

Mike Tuntakit’s co-worker – Lorraine Lopez in turn contacted me, and well… you know me…. I couldn’t resist, nor turn them down.  I told her that I would surely help out . 

So, I immediately logged onto JoAnn’s  Fabric online store to order approx. 20 yards of assorted textile designs: White Dragonflies on Blue, Bees on Black, Grey Floral Vines, Poppy Red Plaid,

Patriotic Stars on Navy, as well as fun vintage cars, motorcycles and happy hummingbirds (from Ebay sellers!).  Pictured are samples of the wonderful face masks that the men are sewing, as well as fabrics that PATH purchased to send them.  

If you are interested in donating fabrics for such purposes, please feel free to directly contact Lorraine at the address below: 

Lorraine Lopez

Correctional Business Manager I

Avenal State Prison

#1 Kings Way

Avenal, Ca 93204

559-386-0587 5105

Lorraine.Lopez@cdcr.ca.gov

Thank you and God Bless! 

Leslie Lakes, Director

The Innocence Files

Guilty until proven innocent?  “The Innocence Files” is a documentary series that chronicles the work of the Innocence Project and other organizations in the Innocence Network fighting to overturn wrongful convictions.   

This show also features my formerly incarcerated, innocent friend (not to mention terrific artist) - Keith A. Harward.  

At 17 seconds into the official Netflix trailer, you'll catch a glimpse of a photo of Keith being held. And, at 18 seconds is Jennifer Thompsonwith whom I've communicated in the past.    But, I suggest that you watch the entire nine-episode series, Netflix show, which will be available to stream Wednesday, April 15th on Netflixworldwide.  

Keith told me that some language and crime scene photos are real, so be aware about that.  

Enjoy! 

Leslie Lakes, Director

Pics attached:

Leslie and Keith at the Mill Valley Depot Cafe

and Keith at Blackie's Pasture April 2017

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director

Credit: Panos handkerchief art by Stevie Austin; TX

"NATURE" by Andres Cabrera-Cabrera, Jr.

Talk about an ambitious piece of art created with little more than a blue ball point pen and eight sheets of 11x17 white paper!  It's titled "NATURE" and was created by incarcerated artist, Andres Cabrera-Cabrera, Jr.  who is located in an Oregon State Prison.  Andres created this specifically for PATH's Fall 2020 inmate art exhibit themed "BIRDS, BEES, BUTTERFLIES AND FLOWERS". The exhibit will take place at the Congregational Community Church in Tiburon, CA.   

As you can see by his original sketch, Andres carefully planned this out and it amazes me how perfectly all the sheets of paper fit together to form the entire drawing measuring a whopping 44 inches by 68 inches.  It will eventually be professionally matted and framed for installation purposes.  

In the meantime, Andres' art was featured in the prison's paper "THE ECHO" and his friend, Norma Cid was inspired to write a poem about it that she titled "El Sendero (The Path). 

“EL SENDERO” (“THE PATH”), by Norma Cid

Escuchamos "El Himno a la Alegria"

Entre arboles cascadas y flores

Con los pajaros como tenores

Tus ojos se reflejaron en los mios

En ese hermoso puente

Aunque jamas pude verte

Nuestros brazos se cruzaron

Enfrente de esas cascadas

Pero solo en mi mente estabas

Y mientras admirabamos el paisaje

Tu me abrazaste muy fuerte

Aun si tu estar presente

Y vimos miles de avejas

Y hermosas flores y mariposas

Aunque no pasó tal cosa

Y estuvimos en esa cabaña

Mientras alumbraba la luna

Aunque nunca hubo cosa alguna

Y ahi reimos y lloramos

contandonos nuestra historia

Pero solo existió en mi memoria

Y me embriage de tu olor

Y en tus ojos me perdí

Y aunque nunca lo viví es parte de mi existir

Porque asi fue y no fue

Porque estuviste y no estabas

Porque todo esto era lo que yo siempre anhelaba

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do sharing it with you.

Blessings,

Leslie Lakes, Director