Beyond bars: Art showcases impact of justice system and hope for future

Showcasing detailed acrylic paintings, hand-made quilts and sculptures, ArtSpoken, an event hosted by Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry (PACE), displayed a wide array of art made by incarcerated individuals in Indiana. Artwork by inmates is displayed around the PACE office for their ArtSpoken event April 25. (Photo/Hanna Rauworth) “It’s really an amazing thing and an amazing event,” said Yvonne Smith, director of employment services for PACE. Patrons enjoyed a large display of artwork available for purchase, an assortment of food and beverages, performances by local musicians and a live auction of select art pieces. The annual ArtSpoken fundraiser seeks to showcase the talents and artistic expressions of those impacted by the justice system in the state of Indiana. Through their work, PACE’s mission is “to provide a variety of services to individuals and families impacted by the justice system to ensure they are afforded the opportunity to lead productive and responsible lives in their communities,” according to their website. The art ranged from pencil drawings of lions to scenic images of lakes and depictions of how the artists were impacted by their incarceration. The idea of second chances, a common motif in the works of art, is also echoed by...