New Exhibit At Local Church Celebrates Pope's Visit, Features Work By Deathrow Inmates
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A non-profit dedicated to showcasing the artwork of inmate artists opened a new exhibit at a Germantown parish in honor of the upcoming visit from Pope Francis.
Titled "A Man for Our Times: Seeking Justice & Redemption, Shining Hope & Love" -- the exhibit is inside the sanctuary of the 150-year-old St. Vincent De Paul Parish.
"We have many pieces by two people who are on death row," says Ann Marie Kirk, executive director of Art for Justice.
She also curated the exhibit, selecting nine religious-themed work by inmate artists Daniel Gwynn -- who is on deathrow, and by Charles Lawson - a lifer at Graterford. Both tackle justice issues related to solitary confinement, redemption and forgiveness.
"Danny Gynn created a painting where the Pope is holding a prisoner close to his heart, and Charles Lawson created a painting where the light of the Pope is coming through and shining down on the people in prison," Kirk says.
There's also a piece depicting Jesus embracing a sinner, with the words, "there can be no justice without forgiveness."
"The paintings are extraordinary in the depth and quality and reflect deep human emotion," adds Kirk.
The exhibit is available before and after mass at St. Vincent. There are also pieces featured at the Friend's Meeting House at 15th and Cherry Streets.
More information is available here.