"Veterans behind bars #3" - Norman L. Mayes

The artist is currently incarcerated in Colorado. He specializes in politically engaged drawings, focusing on veterans behind bars.

All original artworks are created by artists previously or currently incarcerated. They use whichever materials they have access to, and prove creative ingenuity beyond the norm. These original paintings and drawings are born in the heart of a prison cell, from the hands of an outsider artist to adorn the walls of your space. Each art piece is a one-of-a-kind that not only enhances your interior but also makes you actively participate in reforming the prison and criminal justice system.

The incarcerated artist receives 50% of the sales proceeds. The artists set their own prices based on the costs of materials (it can vary greatly from one facility to another), the time spent on the piece, their experience, and simply - what they think it’s worth. Alongside with offering a financial outlet, we aim to empower their confidence and reinstitute their status as human beings - not a number behind bars. For most, art is an escape, a path to self-discovery and healing. Through art, they can reconnect with society so the gap is not so unbridgeable when they get out. Through the sales, they can stay connected with their families, afford daily commissary items, pay societal debts, relieve the economic burden on their loved ones, and save up for the release date. So they have the financial means to get ahead of reinsertion and get a fair chance at that second chance.

9" x 4" | Colored pencil on drawing paper

From behind the walls. My name is Norman L. Mayes. I’ve been down for 20 years. I’m a military Veteran ( Honorable). I was in the U.S. Air Force. I was a flying crew Chief in the Strategic Air Command (S.A.C). 8th Air Force. I’m a mechanic. I can fix anything on a KC-135 or B-52 aircraft. Any jet aircraft with 2 or more engines. I’m assigned as an electrician repair shop at Colorado Territorial (CTCF). Welders, generators, motors, electrical equipment. I’m 75 years old. Been around the world more than once. Been over Vietnam 156 missions. After the military I helped start VFW Post 5061 in Denver. I’m a lifetime member of (VFW) Veterans of Foreign Wars. I’m the inmate Veteran Representative at CTCF. I help start Veterans Behind Bars here at CTCF. I’ve been drawing ever since I can remember. Here in prison I draw. I call my work (Art) ConArt. Key Hole is my trademark. P.S. 1. There are about 100 Vets here at CTCF 2. A lot of C.O are Vets. 3. Over 1000 Vets in Colorado State prisons..

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