PBMR in the News
The Chicago Tribune published and article about us and our work at the juvenile detention center on Sunday July 13th. titled "Drum circle unlocks emotions for juvenile inmates". To read the full article please follow the link : Chicago Tribune Full Article
PBMR had an Art Show
Open House
Art / Poetry Show
featuring the jail/prison art and poetry of men, women and children of Illinois
It began just as a fleeting idea; bring out the art and poetry we have from those who are incarcerated and put it on display – an art / poetry show. Obviously, in our neighborhood, art shows aren’t common. But this art show would have a little different twist – art and poetry from men, women, and children who are incarcerated.
It required a little work; placing the artwork on some background to give it a little visual affect. It grew from just a little display to a week-long event celebrating Victims’ Awareness Week and Restorative Justice Week. We invited families one night, youth another, and community leaders yet another. Then there were groups who were interested in coming to see this display.
I have to say, though, the greatest testimony is the kids themselves. We work with youth who have been locked up and they have really taken to the art and poetry. Many of them have come back two, three, four times, just looking and commenting on the artwork and how the poetry speaks to their life. They talk about their own experiences and the reflecting on how they felt when they were locked up.
There are some ideas that we just let go by the wayside, but I am glad we did this. This has been good for us. Part of the work of reconciliation is bringing the stories together, giving a place where people can share some of themselves.
One young man, Robert, brought his great grandmother and his grandmother to the family night. The great grandmother walked from one piece of art to the next, spent a great deal of time taking it all in. As she did, she told many stories of the neighborhood in the days past. Soon, there was many families sharing their stories together – knitting together a community story.
