Hello

... Some draw beautiful women, others choose American Indians as their subject. And still others depict famous people: Mother Teresa, artist Frida Kahlo and revolutionary Che Guevara, to name a few. Pencils and pens are the only artistic tools. No one gets watercolors, so inmates are unusually creative, eking color out of coffee, mustard, Skittles and M&M candies to enhance their black-and-white drawings. Advertisement These works of art are on display through Dec. 20 at Barrios Unidos, the nonprofit that offers positive activities to keep young people out of gangs and out of prison. "The art is so powerful," said Santa Cruz artist Miguel Vega. "The incredible thing is the message for young people — you don’t want to come here." In one corner of the room is a replica of a maximum security cell, 8-by-8 feet, with a cot, metal toilet and sink, dim light and a few books to read. When Nane Alejandrez, founder of Barrios Unidos, offered a visitor a closer look and clanged the orange bars shut, the sound was hollow and empty. "It’s almost lik...

Essay Information


Words: 349
Pages: 1.4
Rating: None

All Papers Are For Research And Reference Purposes Only. You must cite our web site as your source.