Gwendolyn Garth—Confronting Darkness and Defying Stereotypes
From the artist: “Confronting Darkness and Defying Stereotypes" Exhibition of Work by Presently and Formerly Incarcerated Artists. This is an exhibition of work by real people trying to do great and good things in dark worlds behind razor wire and in the communities that they are returning to. Our citizens who are presently incarcerated are often referred to as "The Forgotten Population". More than 650,000 prisoners are released nationwide each year, and the reintegration of men and women leaving prison is challenging policymakers and practitioners at the federal, state, and local levels. Often cited as being of greatest concern is the high rate of recidivism among former prisoners—half of whom return to prison within three years—yet, recidivism is only one outcome in the process of leaving prison and returning home. As a Creative Art Therapy Specialist and as a formerly incarcerated artist and Recovering Alcoholic and Addict with 22 years of uninterrupted sobriety, I have first-hand knowledge that one of the struggles of Presently and Formerly Incarcerated artists lies in their personal searches of Self-Acceptance and Community Acceptance. This outreach project was conceived with "Recidivism Prevention" in mind. It is Gwendolyn Garth's intent to allow for and build direct relationships between Presently and Formerly Incarcerated artists, neighborhood artists and the communities they inhabit or anticipate coming home to. The Art Palace on Wheels brings the Arts "Outside" literally and metaphorically. It creates a public art gallery platform that will reach Clevelanders who don’t frequent local cultural institutions. The gallery, which aims to increase the visibility of artwork by Presently and Formerly Incarcerated Artists and Community-Based Artists, will have a flexible interior design. The layout will allow for “changing spatial configurations that are vibrant and physically engaging.” My intent is to present exhibitions once a month for seven months, spring - fall, going to accessible public spaces such as libraries, schools, park districts, parking lots and vacant lots throughout Cuyahoga County. Performing art programs will accompany the exhibit and will take place outside the mobile art gallery or in nearby publicly accessible spaces. This exhibition is not intended to be seen as a trip to the zoo or the opening of a cabinet of curiosities. This is an exhibition of sincere attempts to "confront darkness and defy stereotypes,” in the minds of the artists themselves and in the minds of our community.
