Prison Outreach Guild
at Past Lives Makerspace
Creativity happens behind prison walls, but art made there is rarely seen on the outside.
The Prison Outreach Guild at Past Lives Makerspace exists to bridge this gap. We work directly with incarcerated artists across Oregon to show and sell their work, so it can be viewed, valued, and supported.
Past Lives was founded in 2020 by Morlock, a formerly incarcerated artist who wanted others to be able to learn a trade, build community, and to earn a fair wage after their release. The Prison Outreach Guild is our flagship program serving the currently incarcerated.
Why Prison
Outreach Matters
The Past Lives Prison Outreach Guild has spent years building connections with artists inside—through consistent communication, follow-through, and respect. And it shows:
Over 200 artists in Oregon represented
Nearly 1,000 pieces of artwork shared and sold
For many artists, this is the first time their work has been shown publicly. The first time it’s been purchased. The first time it’s been recognized as art.
And for people on the outside, it’s a chance to see incarcerated individuals in a different light.
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This support is direct.
80% of every sale goes to the artist (20% goes toward art framing and sales support)
Funds go to commissary accounts or artists’ families
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That money matters. It means:
Better art supplies
Access to food beyond standard prison meals
Basic hygiene and essentials
Money for calls to loved ones
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But just as important:
Artists consistently say that art is a path to healing and growth and that their work hanging in someone’s home changes how they see themselves.
What the
Artists Make
James Blevins:
“Art is an avenue of expression, an escape, if you will, from the everyday stresses of incarceration. Past Lives is a great program. It’s helping us generate some income to survive. It gives us an avenue to get our art outside these walls, into the community, where more people can enjoy what we create. I want to say thank you to Deb & Mira for running this program to help those in need: Us!”
Kristina Willow Yurick:
“For most of my life, I have struggled with the disease of addiction. The process of being creative allows me to pursue a balance of personal growth and inner healing, which improves my well-being and continues to raise my vibration. It’s such a gift to be able to touch the lives of other people around me in such a positive way by doing ultimately what makes me happiest to my core.”
Robert Stevenson:
“I am 67 years old and have been incarcerated for close to two-thirds of my life. To know what inspires me in my artwork would be to know what it feels like to exist in a world of helplessness, of anger, of fear, and of hate – the darkness. So, my idea of fantastical butterflies and flowers is to bring color to my darkness. A little something...I hope that you can look at these works of art and see and feel...life and hope.”
Chris Benson:
“I enjoy doing art. That is why I'm part of Past Lives. I've sent many drawings to Past Lives mainly to get a little funds going because I am a poor artist. A little bit of funding would help me get supplies every once in a while. I would love to be able to decorate someone's living room with my art! Thank you so much to Deb and all who volunteer at Past Lives.”
Emmanuel Tenorio:
“This piece is titled “Transformation,” with the petals turning into butterflies as they hit the water representing the transformation that comes from becoming clean. I came to the Oregon State Penitentiary, and everything changed. There were programs I could be a part of. Addictive substances fill the emptiness inside of us, and now I was filling that emptiness with everything positive that I could. I’m painting murals. I’m teaching therapeutic art classes. Those of you who are becoming clean are truly brave and an inspiration to others. This painting is for you.”
Michael Botting:
“I've been incarcerated for nearly 22 years. The opportunity to put things into perspective is the gift of incarceration. I used to work on a ranch and have many fond memories of that time back home in Eastern Oregon. Art has given me an outlet to meditate and see beauty where others tend to overlook. Composition, contrast, and color are three things we enjoy, yet putting these together in your mind allows you to create something that's all yours.”
Luis Salas-Juarez
Cliff Mitts
“I'm an inmate artist. I've been doing art for the last 22 years. I had never tried to draw anything before being incarcerated. Patience wasn't my strong suit, but I've become very patient. My communication skills have improved. I have become a much better person than the one who landed in prison 22 years ago. Art allows me to be in a better place.”
Upcoming
Events & Exhibits
You can view (and purchase!) artwork made by incarcerated artists at a these venues:
ONGOING ART DISPLAYS
Caffe Destino
1339 NE Fremont St.
Greeting cards available for purchase
Charles Jordan Community Center
9009 N. Foss Ave.
St. Johns Community Center
8427 N. Central St.
Matt Dishman Community Center
77 Knott St.
Past Lives Makerspace Gallery
Open to the public First Fridays from 6-10 p.m.
2808 SE 9th Ave.
ART SHOWS
FEB 25–APRIL 8, 2027
SW Community Center
6820 SW 45th Ave.
JULY 1–31, 2027
Caffe Destino
1339 NE Fremont St.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DEC 4 · 5–10 PM
Past Lives Makerspace Holiday Bizarre
2808 SE 9th Ave.
Community
Partners
We partner with these organizations doing critical work in criminal justice and arts access
It’s not just one program —
It’s a Network
Prison Outreach is a volunteer-run, collaborative effort across the Past Lives ecosystem. More than 250 artists and makers contribute to a shared environment that supports incarcerated artists’ work and brings it into public view.
Prison Outreach Guild connects with artists and manages submissions
Art Framers Guild prepares artwork for display
Our Visual Arts & Gallery Guild exhibits and sells the work
Thank you to everyone who supports our efforts!
Support Past Lives’
Prison Outreach Program
Buy Art
Visit the Past Lives Gallery or catch us at a community event. You’ll see work you won’t find anywhere else —and directly support the artist who made it. You can also buy Prison Outreach Guild merchandise in the Gallery featuring designs from a logo competition among artists in our program.
Volunteer
Help us manage artwork, coordinate shows, or staff an event: there are many ways to help keep this program running strong. Visit our Opportunities page or reach out on Instagram.
Become a Member
Join Past Lives! Membership provides access to a whole creative ecosystem — everything Past Lives Makerspace has to offer across 27,000 square feet of workshops, private studios, a Gallery and event space, a shared kitchen and communal area, a garden, and other cool spaces. Learn new skills and collaborate with artists across disciplines.
Get Started
If you’re curious about our community, booking a tour is where you start. Come say hello!