Now through the end of May, you can see “Illuminate” at the Guichelaar Gallery next to Tube Factory Artspace in Garfield Park.
The exhibit shows written pieces and visual art by Step-Up’s Indiana Peer Education Program (INPEP) team members.
INPEP teaches incarcerated people about harm reduction and disease prevention, and equips them to deliver training to their own peers.
“Through their education model, they present all the information hand-written and drawn on poster boards. From working at Step-Up, I saw incredible ways the peers in the program shared information through their art and saw their talents shine in this specific way,” curator Sylvia Thomas said in a statement about the show. Thomas is an artist-in-residence at Big Car Collaborative.
“I wanted to highlight this amazing program, give space for my peers to continue their impact and illuminate their incredible talent as artists.”
Artist statement for Madison INPEP team’s “The Tree of Light“
Welcome to ‘The Tree of Light,’ a symbol of strength, growth, and transformation. Each branch of the tree is adorned with words of love, resilience, and hope reminding us that light is all around us, even in the darkest times.
We invite you to add your light to the tree!
Please take a blossom and write your name, along with what light means to you, or who represents light in your life. It can be a person, a feeling, or a source of strength that helps you shine.
Once you’ve written your message, simply stick your blossom on the tree as a part of our collective journey. Together, we create a vibrant community of light, love, and growth.
Artist statement for Wabash Valley INPEP team’s “Illuminate the Mind”
From the start of this project, it was supposed to be a fun game to play. Something to talk about. Something we thought could be cool. But what it turned into was so much more.
As we were making this sculpture, we all helped in some way throughout the process. Thus, bringing us closer by using teamwork to get a goal done. We have also been having 10-hour workshops along the way. And through this we are enlightening people with knowledge and spreading our message throughout the community. While doing this, the groups are coming in and participating in playing the game and learning all at the same time.
Also, countless other officers, staff, and inmates have come in to see and play the game. With this they are asking about the class and what we are all about, which has brought more attention to us.
Now that we are nearly done, we are reflecting back on the process and realizing all the different ways this project has been a good thing. We hope you all enjoy this as much as we have. Thank you for your time and participation in supporting our cause.
Artist statement for Rockville INPEP Team’s painted piece
She stands on top of the mountain. She looks behind her to the great height she has climbed to be here. She looks out to view every season she has been through and made it. She knows she can make it through any weather of any season.
Her body is strong.
Her mind is wise.
Melodie Yvonne is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach her at melodie@photographicmelodie.com.
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