ABSTRACT
After being invited to the most notorious prison complex in the United States to view firsthand the value of an arts program for which I had been providing consultation, I co-led a session that encompassed the theoretical scaffolding of the new book. By providing an invitational space, the men were provided an opportunity to reflect upon their art making experiences in a manner that they had not yet experienced. As a result, the men voiced insights on how making the art allowed them to express their vulnerabilities and emotions, reflect upon their challenges—mental, emotional, and physical—and improve their wellness. By completing their products, the men gained a sense of mastery and success, ultimately empowering the re-creation of their identity.
