Support San Quentin Mural Artists-Create Change!

Carol Newborg is organizing this fundraiser to benefit William James Association.

Tax deductible

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to support the production of a mural to bring the wonders of creativity along with beauty to the residents of San Quentin Prison. Any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to me.

Acting on the conviction that the arts enrich, heal, and unite communities, the San Quentin Prison Arts Project (of the William James Association) has brought exceptional artists into prisons throughout California for 45 years. WJA's Prison Arts Project provides thousands of men, women and youth inside our justice system with meaningful arts experiences, proving that making art cultivates transformation and improves lives. Returning to communities with better skills and a greater sense of self-worth, art artmaking helps individuals to create new lives as contributing citizens. To learn more, visit www.PrisonArtsProject.org

Preparing the 300' long x 14' high mural surface

Sample painting of 21' section of wall

A new innovative 300-foot-long beautiful mural is planned for the San Quentin Earned Housing Unit. In this amazing collaboration between the San Quentin administration, many talented incarcerated artists and the William James Association, we will develop an acrylic mural depicting nature, framed art and much more. It will face the 250 cells that would otherwise look out at a giant blank wall. The mural will create faux-finish marble and other textures on the wall, with "windows" showing beautiful images such as underwater scenes, ocean views, San Francisco Bay bridges, hills and more. Above those nature views will be a gallery of images and frames also painted directly on the wall. Many artists will be able to share their talents and creativity in this exceptional quality-of-life-enhancing showcase.

Participation in planning and painting the many smaller artworks on the upper wall as well as the larger nature scenes below will offer an outlet for self-expression, community building, growth and rehabilitation for the makers. Living with and viewing the mural will create a healthier emotional and social environment for those living in the 1930's cellblock building as well as for those working there. It is hoped this mural can be a model for future positive growth and change through the arts in other San Quentin housing units.

Below are images of a few of the San Quentin artists' paintings.