Prison Creative Arts Project, continued...

Photo provided by Buzz Alexander

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

As I have matured into an adult and especially over the past 10 years, I have come to realize that we are all very much connected in the human race. Even those individuals who are imprisoned are much like you and me.

I once knew a person who ran a shelter where I used to volunteer. She helped others who where coping through domestic violence. As I worked with her I discovered that she was one of the most loving and compassionate women I have known. Later I found out she had served many years in prison for killing her husband who had been beating her though out their long-term marriage. The little time I spent with her has changed me forever. She helped me to let go of my judgmental bias towards not only prisoners but others in general. Unless you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes, you will never truly know what lead them to their offense or horrible decision or if they’ll find health in the aftermath. This is their demon to battle and hopefully overcome. All we can do is try to find the compassion to be kind and supportive, to come from a place of love. This can be very difficult.

This compassion and nonjudgmental presence is overflowing from Buzz Alexander. I admire this most about him. You all know how difficult it is to let go of judgment and, when doing so, it has to be sincere or it is obvious.

Buzz has a genuinely warm soul. It is apparent in the success of his prison arts work over the past 20 plus years.

He has been published several times but his latest book, Is William Martinez Not Our Brother, provides further insight about his work.

He shared, “The book basically talks about everything we’ve done, our values and methodology. We now have 226 associates (former members of PCAP who are engaged in social justice work all over the world). I talk about the art show and quote what the prison artists say about the impact of the Annual Exhibition. I also talk about the impact of the classes and the workshops. There is also a chapter on mass incarceration and much more!”

Click here to purchase a copy of the book.

If you have any comments, for Buzz or myself, feel free to open a conversation. We would like to hear your thoughts.

He is a humanitarian leader, continued...

Photo of Buzz provided by Buzz Alexander

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I whole-heartily believe there is holistic life healing powers gifted through the creative process. The work of Buzz and all who are involved in his Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) offers testimony to my belief.

I was curious about how the program was started. Buzz discussed its origin.

In his words, “Two women, Mary and Joyce, enrolled in the University of Michigan from prison. They wanted to take the course, English 319. I went with two other students to the women’s facility and met with these 2 women. We did theater exercises and learned about incarceration. I asked them to sit down and write questions for us. They came back and asked, ‘What are you doing here?’ This was the most important question. They asked, ‘Are you interested in the prisoners?’ We had to speak honestly and from our hearts to explain what was bringing us there. They were asking us very difficult questions about what we would have done in their situations. At the end, one turned to the other and said that we need to bring this to the whole prison. It was at the Florence Crane Women’s Facility in Coldwater, Michigan.

Sixty women came to the first workshop, where a lot happened. I told them we would be coming back every week and 22 years later we’re still working with them!”

If you or anyone you know is interested in this program, (to volunteer, donate funds, and/or take Buzz Alexander’s courses, click here to learn more and make contact.