This project was in collaboration with The Bubbler’s Making Justice Program. I appreciate your support!

Over the course of several months, I created a mural with men in The Dane County Correctional Facility who are participating in a class to learn parenting skills to connect with their kids on the outside. The Parenting Inside Out group is lead by a passionate social worker, Allison, who saw the Metro Pathers piece I was doing in another classroom in the facility and wanted to bring a mural to the blank wall in their new space.

We started with workshops to learn painting skills before working on the actual wall. On canvas, we painted pieces for ourselves or something they could gift to their kids. During the mural, when there was limited space to work, they continued these personal projects. From spending a few months together, we got to know each other and being in a position they’re in, I imagine it’s not easy to open up. Explaining where I came from and what I was doing there, their judgement began to fade.

The design is meant for them to interact with in class, with parts representing their lessons; a tree for growth, a road of getting there, scales for balance, hands for knowledge. One of the *residents was eager to get started saying “I’ve been here four years, this is the most excited I’ve been the whole time I’ve been here.” We switched off trying different sections as confidence in their painting skills began to grow.

In-between painting, we began meditation. Knowing how much it created a path for me to shift my perspective and open myself to opportunities I thought were there for everyone else but me, I wanted to share this powerful tool with them. I switched off with guided meditations, explaining it’s a personal thing, finding what works for you is key. We found a peace I don’t think is common in jail, a space they were able to bring back to their pods with them. (Imagine being surrounded by people 24/7… peace. is. huge.) In the hallway after one of our sessions, another resident asked “What is it you were doing in there? I heard this beautiful music and I FELT it! I wanted to be part of whatever was going on!” With the shift felt amongst those in the group, **we’re looking into a way to continue the meditation group with them and other residents of the jail.

I know there is stigma around people IN jail and potentially those working in jail, but I have to say, Allison, the other social workers I got to know, and myself, are honoring something in our hearts that brought us to this place. They’re left with a mural they can be proud of, and a connection and sense of community I’m not sure any of us expected.

Much gratitude to everyone for participating and to those who honestly opened themselves up, Allison for all of her dedication to this project and her work, the Making Justice Program through The Bubbler at Madison Public Library for funding this project. We couldn’t have done it without your support!

*The word residents is used in place of inmates out of respect.
** Update- We are now holding a meditation group after a successful pilot program


(Not many people can say they spray painted in jail, but now I can!)