I usually facilitate my art program at Rikers in separate housing units, but on occasion, I have the opportunity to comingle units so they can work together in a classroom setting. Through art, music, snacks, and fruit juice, participants from various backgrounds discussed important issues while creating art. Activities and conversations like these encourage rehabilitation by promoting positive engagement and personal growth.

In addition, some individuals were working on an art competition sponsored by the New York Public Library (NYPL) for their yearly Connections book. Having opportunities like these provides individuals with a sense of purpose and motivation. A 2024 participant in my art and photography class had his work selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition. He was very excited and proud to submit his work and continue his art practice once released. https://live-cdn-www.nypl.org/s3fs-public/connections_2025.pdf (page 104).

Thank you to Blick Art Materials for their yearly support and donation of art materials for the event and my daily art classes. BLICK has been “Family-Owned and Serving Artists” since 1911, and my art program since 2017.