"Light from Inside: Art from Illinois Prisons"

William Jones "The Devil Made Me Do It"

2008-06-18T15:56:00.002-07:00

"I was born July 15th, 1955, in Memphis, Tennessee, the 10th child of 11. I grew up in Pittsburg, Chicago and East Saint Louis. I would like people to know that we in prison are part of America and what you do to us, you also do to yourself." - William Jones, Stateville Correctional Center

William Bracey "Before the Gods Made Her Crazy"

2008-06-18T15:56:00.001-07:00

"When I went to prison and saw a guy doing an oil potrait, I was captivated. I'd just sit there and stare! I promised my mother that I was going to get a portrait of her painted, but this guy was so swamped with work that he kept putting me off until finally I said 'I'm gonna learn how to do this myself'" - William Bracey

Tom Odle "Falling Apart"

2008-06-18T15:55:00.002-07:00

"I hope to prove to people and to myself that my life means something and is not as useless as the judge who sentenced me believed. I am trying to be the best person I can be, so if my family were to see me now, maybe I am someone they can be proud of. I hope I am far from the troubled child and drug user that I was 20 years ago. I hope they have forgiven me." - Thomas Odle, Lawrence Correctional Center

Roger Colllins "For Ethel"

2008-06-18T15:55:00.001-07:00

"Unlike most artists, my work has gone from abstract to realistic rather than the reverse. I try to learn all phases of everything I see, to develop as broad a knowledge as possible." - Roger Collins, Menard Correctional Center

Robert Turner "Summer Cottage"

2008-06-18T15:54:00.002-07:00

Robert is from the area around Carlinville in southern Illinois. He is self-taught and started to paint in prison in 1986.

Richard Nitz "Vision from Prison"

2008-06-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

"I paint myself into my paintings as a way of escaping, if only in fantasy, the despair of the prison environment." - Richard Nitz, Menard Correctional Center

Renaldo Hudson "Underground Railroad"

2008-06-18T15:53:00.002-07:00

"Painting allows me to come out of my cell, to rise above my surrondings. It frees me to lay paint any way I want and to express the tears of lost years" - Renaldo Hudson, Lawrence Correctional Center

Owen "Motherless Child"

2008-06-18T15:52:00.002-07:00

Michael Sullivan "Sunshine"

2008-06-18T15:52:00.001-07:00

"In art there are no shortcuts. In art discipline is the key." - Michael Sullivan, Stateville Correctional Center

Koppel "Egg Roll"

2008-06-18T15:51:00.002-07:00

Kilsey Shearill "Self Potrait"

2008-06-18T15:51:00.001-07:00

"If there were art supplies for the inmates at Tamms, then they could focus thier time in being constructive, creative and positive. This would serve as a release of stress and a way of expression." Kilsey Shearrill, Tamms Correctional Center

Jerry Ward "One-way Ticket"

2008-06-18T15:50:00.002-07:00

James Munson "Maramike"

2008-06-18T15:50:00.001-07:00

"I am afraid of being ostracized and shunned. But no one should have to suffer in silence with such a burden of pain as I once did." - James Munson, Menard Correctional Center

Harry Gosier "Autumn Mist"

2008-06-18T15:49:00.002-07:00

"What does a man or woman profit if they gain the world but lose their souls? The answer is nothing." - Harry Gosier, Menard Correctional Center

George Goodman "Standing Stone"

2008-06-18T15:49:00.001-07:00

"When I'm painting, my mind and spirit are in the piece I'm working on and free from the confines and adversities of life in prison." - George Goodman, Stateville Correctional Center

David Harris "Do You Miss Me?"

2008-06-18T15:48:00.001-07:00

"I believe that if I can create beauty and give sight to unseen emotions, then it is possible to overcome injustices and regain a life." - David Harris, Menard Correctional Center

Darryl Simms "Sahara Sunset"

2008-06-18T15:47:00.001-07:00

"Considering my current circumstances and living conditions, my paintings possess and transcends a certain passion through my subjects." - Darryl Simms, Hill Correctional Center

Charles McLaurin "Magnolias"

2008-06-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

"Some of my paintings are based on personal memoirs, events and experiences, and reflecdt what I have learned about the Old World and different eras." - Charles McLaurin, Stateville Correctional Center

Charles McLaurin "Gathering Clouds"

2008-06-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

"I have discovered that legend, mysticism, mythology, psychology, philosophy, religion and symbolism all find their way into my art." Charles McLaurin, Stateville Correctional Center

Anthony Guest "At the Marketplace"

2008-06-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

"For me, painting is enjoyable, relaxing and helps pass the time away. I enjoy starting with nothing and creating something on my own." - Anthony Guest, Stateville Correctional Center