More than 200 people attended the fifth annual Changing the Course Art Show Tuesday evening at the Alabama Department of Archives and History, where state agencies, education partners and legislators gathered to recognize the role creativity and education play in rehabilitation and successful reentry.
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles hosted this year’s exhibition, themed “Light the Path,” highlighting how education and support programs can help justice-involved individuals successfully reenter their communities.
The Changing the Course exhibition features artwork created by people who are currently or were formerly incarcerated in Alabama. The exhibit included original paintings, metal art, poetry and other creative works produced through educational and rehabilitative programs.
The annual event is a partnership among the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, J.F. Ingram State Technical College, the Alabama Department of Corrections, the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project, the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the Alabama Department of Mental Health. The organizations say they are working to expand education, job training and rehabilitative programming for people involved in the justice system.
Throughout the evening, attendees viewed artwork and learned about programs that support successful reentry into communities across Alabama.
During the event, Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward presented recognition awards to Representative Parker Moore and Senator Rodger Smitherman for their leadership in passing Senate Bill 138, which removed certain employment barriers for qualified people reentering the workforce.
The law allows people on parole or probation to pursue occupational licenses when their criminal history is not related to the job they seek. The law also created a Certificate of Employability, issued by the Bureau of Pardons and Paroles, which helps protect employers from legal liability when hiring formerly incarcerated individuals.
The Changing the Course Art Show continues to bring together state agencies and private partners working to prepare people for successful reentry. Programs that provide education, creative outlets and job training help individuals develop the skills needed to rebuild their lives, reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety across Alabama.
