On the occasion of the William James Association’s 50th anniversary and the 46th anniversary of the Prison Arts Project, a two-day event was held in December. The event was packed with art workshops, delicious food, networking, great music, and joyous faces everywhere.

The first day featured block printing, paper arts (paper folding), mixed-media collage, and writing workshops. There were introductions, check-ins, and expressions of appreciation for teaching artists, alumni, students, site coordinators, donors, board members, and arts supporters. In the evening, a band of alumni, teaching artists, and site coordinators performed, with Bill Cleveland and his sister delivering a beautiful song during an open mic session. Laurie Brooks, our fearless Executive Director, was honored with a heartfelt video for her contributions to the field.

Attendees took the opportunity to reminisce about past classes and reconnect with old instructors, capturing the moments with photos and videos. They shared how arts programs had impacted and transformed their lives and reflected on the role of art in their lives—the second day continued with similar activities and discussions on the association’s future focus and possible amendments to its mission statement. Silkscreening of 50th Anniversary T-shirts by Terrance Johnson and Joey Reyes took place, and the event was marked by appreciation, gratitude, community, laughter, warm hearts, inspiring and humbling moments, friendships, inclusion, and compassion. The event left lasting impressions, and all involved were eager to spread the positive energy with others, making it a truly fulfilling experience.