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"I initially wanted to be unengaged, a fly on the wall, just because it was remarkable to me," says photographer Peter Merts.
But now he follows "the emotional energy in the room," as CNN puts it, offering an "emotional portrayal of an often-vilified population."
Merts has been documenting prison arts programs for 15 years, and his new book, Ex Crucible: The Passion of Incarcerated Artists, includes dozens of photos of artists in such programs as music, dance, and visual arts, as well as close-up portraits of their work.
"When someone is excited, I go there, when someone is confused, I go there," says Merts.
"You can really see the courage and the passion in the people."
One of the book's subjects is a 54-year-old man who began painting using only the few books and supplies he had access to before joining an arts class at California's California Institution for Men.
His skills progressed to the point where he became an "inside facilitator," helping instructors deliver classes and mentoring fellow students.
After serving time for murder, he was released from prison and immediately hired by the same teaching program he had assisted.
"By showing humanity and authenticity, originality... Read the Entire Article
Selected Grant News Headlines
A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.
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