Opportunities

Past Lives was founded by Morlock, a formerly incarcerated artist who wanted others to have access to what so many people lose after release: the chance to learn a trade, build real community, and earn a fair wage through creative work.

That vision is at the heart of the Prison Outreach Guild.

This Guild focuses on selling artwork made by currently incarcerated artists in Oregon prisons, creating a reliable way for adults in custody to share their work with the outside world. What began as a small effort has grown into a guild of more than 100 artists, working across a wide range of mediums — from watercolors and drawings to leather wallets, metal belt buckles, and beyond.

 From the beginning, we’ve worked intentionally to build honest relationships rooted in trust, consistency, and community — with artists, supporters and partners who believe in the value of creative work as a pathway to dignity and opportunity.

As the program has grown, so has the need for support behind the scenes. This is a volunteer role for people who believe in the mission of Past Lives and want to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the Prison Outreach Guild. We’re hoping to find committed folks who are interested in helping steward the program into its next phase.

Roles are flexible and shaped around your skills…and there are many possibilities!

• Helping staff markets, pop-ups, and community events

• Framing and matting artwork (including painting or staining frames)

• Photographing artwork for documentation, sales, and promotion

• Responding to letters and program correspondence

• Supporting social media posts and newsletters

• Assisting with grant writing and reporting

• Helping plan and execute fundraisers

• Networking and outreach to identify new venues where artwork can be displayed and sold

This opportunity is especially well-suited for people who:

• Have capacity to support the program consistently over time

• Enjoy being part of something that’s still evolving

• Want to help build systems, relationships, and sustainability

• Are excited to brainstorm, problem-solve, and shape the future of the guild

• Care deeply about art, justice, and community-led work

Being part of the Prison Outreach Guild’s Art Program means you’re not just helping with tasks—you’re helping hold the structure that allows artists inside to keep creating and earning.

Volunteering with Past Lives means:

• Supporting currently incarcerated artists in tangible, meaningful ways

• Helping maintain a rare and trusted bridge between inside and outside communities

• Gaining insight into how ethical, community-rooted art programs are built

• Being part of a creative ecosystem that includes 14 (and counting) art/maker guilds

If this resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.

Send an email to both dixie@pastlives.space and lee@pastlives.space with:

• A resume and a brief intro about yourself (as attachments, not in the email)

• Why you’re interested in this opportunity

• Any other professional or volunteer experience you feel is relevant

• Any questions you have!