The power of education programs for prisoners is illustrated by the story of Juan Lopez, a teacher in Argentine prisons, and contrasted with the struggle to fund and implement consistent prison education in America.
RL’s Story
“I am a 52 year old man that has been drawing since childhood. My first real attempt at something significant was at the age of around seven years old, which was of my father who had recently passed away. I loved my daddy and wanted to do the best that I possibly could with his portrait. To me, it turned out great. I was really proud of myself and a bit surprised, to be honest. I could actually draw, and I wanted to show everyone.
That portrait of my father sparked a drive within me that has grown stronger throughout my life, pushing me to continuously learn and better my artistic abilities. I took an art class in junior high school one year, hoping to learn more, but unfortunately, they taught me nothing about drawing. Frustrated, I never attempted to take another art class. I wanted to go to college for art, but it apparently wasn’t in the cards for me. So I was left to learn on my own.
Artists’ Time
Without change, there is no trace of creativity, innovation, or enticement for growth. Those ambitious individuals who galvanize transformation have a greater chance to control the change that is inexplicably inescapable. Heroic artists do not just reflect our past and present, they help to shape the future. Intellectual curiosity stimulates a deep, persistent ‘need to … read more