The Art for Justice program at SCI-Graterford was founded in 1997 by Charles Lawson, a self-taught artist serving a life sentence, and Ann Marie Kirk. The program focused on highlighting issues such as wrongful convictions, life without parole, solitary confinement, and other flaws within the criminal legal system. Since its inception, the program facilitated over 100 exhibitions in public spaces, including universities, libraries, and community organizations. These exhibits not only showcased the artistic talent within the prison but also fostered critical discussions about mass incarceration, justice, and human dignity. Through their work, participating artists sought to bring awareness to the realities of incarceration while creating connections between those inside and outside the prison walls.
Photo Credits: Charles Lawson
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Songs in the Key of Free was a program at SCI-Graterford that used collaborative arts to challenge mass incarceration and affirm the humanity of those inside. The program brought accomplished musicians into the prison to create music alongside incarcerated artists. Through creative production, participants shared their stories, emotions, and perspectives, offering a powerful counter-narrative to mainstream portrayals of incarceration. Songs in the Key of Free not only provided an outlet for personal expression but also sought to shift public perceptions and inspire conversations about justice and freedom through music.
The Graterford Actors Guild, led by Trevor Drake, developed and staged theatrical productions at SCI-Graterford, with a particular focus on Shakespearean plays. Participants engaged deeply with classical literature, exploring themes of justice, redemption, and humanity. The program provided a creative and intellectual outlet, fostering personal growth, collaboration, and a sense of community among those involved while also challenging stereotypes and demonstrating the transformative power of the arts to broader audiences.
Photo Credits: Streets Dept
The Mural Arts Restorative Justice Program provided art classes at SCI-Graterford for nearly two decades. In 2002, executive director Jane Golden was invited by art therapist Will Ursprung to speak to an art class at SCI-Graterford, sparking enthusiasm among participants. Inspired by their talent and interest in giving back to the community, Mural Arts began collaborating with the class in 2003 to paint small murals inside the facility.
Recognizing the potential of this work, Golden advocated for the creation of a formal program in which participants were paid a modest wage to produce murals. Working alongside professional muralists Cesar Viveros and Parris Stancell, the class completed its first major public commission, Healing Walls, in 2004. Using the parachute cloth technique—introduced to Mural Arts by renowned muralist Kent Twitchell—participants created murals that could be installed outside the prison walls. The process was documented in the film Concrete, Steel & Paint by independent filmmaker Tony Heriza. Over the years, the program’s artists contributed to more than fifty murals, gifting their work to neighborhoods across Philadelphia.
Photo Credits: Steve Weinik
