
Artist Russell Craig working on the Portraits of Justice mural in his studio. Photo by Steve Weinik.
The Portraits of Justice initiative culminates in October, continuing with a performance from musician and filmmaker Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter. Baxter will present her work in front of a new mural from artists Jesse Krimes and Russell Craig, using public art to engage the broader public in reimagining and reflecting on the criminal justice system. Labels is a live, three-part musical performance with an accompanying music video that will be screened for the first time at the Portraits of Justice Symposium on November 2. Labels will tackle the trials and tribulations associated with reentry as it relates to women in Philadelphia. This audiovisual narrative explores housing and employment discrimination, family reunification, and other common issues facing people with criminal records. Messages of resilience, accountability, hope, and redemption will encourage young people to find their voice.
Portraits of Justice has expanded our Guild apprenticeship program and launched a brand-new interdisciplinary fellowship for formerly incarcerated artists, led by Krimes and Craig. Their new collaborative mural will serve as a backdrop for participatory public art and performances from all five Reimagining Reentry Fellows: Reginald Dwayne Betts, Shontina Vernon, Sue Ellen Allen, Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter, and Luis Suave Gonzales.