On Thursday, September 18, Phoenix Odyssey hosted its first ever art-centered event, titled “Letters of Change.” This event brought together artists, Phoenix graduates, legislators, business-owners, and other community members for a celebration of our diverse histories and journeys.
During the six-month Phoenix Project program in the prison, participants write letters to their 12-year-old selves, and these letters are often deeply personal and moving. For this event, we brought together artists from a variety of backgrounds, including those who have been justice-involved. Based on past Phoenix Project participants’ “Dear 12-year-old self” letters, the artists created their own artistic interpretations of them. During our “Letters of Change” event, guests had the chance to see and purchase these pieces of artwork.
During the event, we also featured speeches from Phoenix Odyssey President Kathy Carty, ACI Director Wayne Salisbury and poet Damont Combs. Damont performed a reading of his own poem that was inspired by stories he heard from Phoenix Project participants in prison. US Congressman Gabe Amo, RI Speaker of the House K. Joseph Shekarchi and RI Senator Jacob Bissaillon and CEO of Justice Assistance, also attended and sponsored the event. Our guests were also invited to engage in an interactive activity in which they created their interpretations of prison and reentry through wooden blocks. Some of our guests took the opportunity to write a Dear 12 Year Old self letter to themselves. Throughout the evening, people came together to connect, admire the artwork, and place bids on their favorite pieces.
Through this event, we hoped to give people the chance to connect with one another and to reflect on the experiences of others and themselves. We are so grateful to everyone who helped us make this happen – to Something Fishy, our sponsors, and our graduates!
Thank you to the authors and artists for contributing their vulnerable and beautiful pieces. Thank you to the guests who placed bids on the artwork, helping support these artists and Phoenix Odyssey. As a non-profit 501c3 organization, we appreciate the donations, sponsorships, and in-kind donations which allow us to continue our work. We love watching connections form and grow at these events, and we look forward to seeing you all again at future events!
Kathleen Carty, PhD MSW LICSW, President
If you weren’t able to attend but would still like to donate, you can support people reentering the community by donating here
