An Interview with Monty: The Visionary Behind the Prison Reimagined Project
In an inspiring conversation with Monty, a key figure behind the Prison Reimagined: Presidential Portrait Project (PRP3), we delve into his vision and the journey that led to this groundbreaking exhibition. Monty, an editor for Nash News, shares the story of how the seed for PRP3 was planted during President Biden’s inauguration, ignited by Amanda Gorman’s powerful poem, The Hill We Climb.
The Spark of an Idea
Q: Monty, can you tell us what inspired you to create the Prison Reimagined project?
Monty: Watching President Biden’s inauguration filled me with hope, especially after hearing Amanda Gorman’s poem. Biden's speech about mass incarceration resonated with me, and I thought, "What if we, as incarcerated artists, could voice our opinions through art?" The idea struck me to have incarcerated artists draw portraits of our presidents and invite them to see what we had created. This could be a powerful way to express the hopelessness within the carceral state while directly engaging the leaders we needed to reach.
Finding Collaborators
Q: How did you go about turning this idea into reality?
Monty: Initially, I sought feedback from an artist friend, expecting him to discourage me. To my surprise, he urged me to pursue the project. I then thought of the Justice Arts Coalition (JAC), known for working with incarcerated artists. I reached out to JAC, not realizing they were located right next to our nation's capital, which was a perfect fit for the project theme.
Overcoming Obstacles
Q: You faced challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. How did you navigate through that?
Monty: It was tough. With social spaces shutting down, it seemed like our project might be derailed. However, I maintained a letter-writing campaign, reaching out to potential venues in the DC area. My persistence paid off when we finally partnered with President Lincoln’s Cottage in August 2022, thanks to the support from JAC. We also received a grant from the Art for Justice Fund, which has been crucial in moving forward.
A Vision for Justice
Q: What is the overarching goal of the PRP3?
Monty: One of our main goals is to further the prison abolition movement. We want to illuminate the historical context of mass incarceration, which has roots in chattel slavery, convict leasing, and Jim Crow laws. Hosting the exhibition at President Lincoln's Cottage, a site tied to themes of freedom and justice, is a powerful statement.
Invitation to the Public
Q: What do you hope attendees take away from the exhibition when it opens in January 2024?
Monty: I want people to leave with a new understanding of justice—what it really means and how the current system is functioning as intended, often harming rather than helping communities. We’ll showcase the voices of incarcerated people through their art and writing, encouraging attendees to connect with the humanity and experiences of those behind bars. It’s about creating a dialogue and reimagining what justice could look like in America.
Prison Reimagined: Presidential Portrait Project
Opening Reception
Workhouse Arts Center
9518 Workhouse Wy, Lorton
Saturday, 02/08/2025
5:30pm EST - 8:00pm EST
🔗Join us this Saturday for the exhibition opening!
Monty’s passion and commitment to this project are palpable, and the upcoming exhibition promises to be an eye-opening experience. We invite you to join us this Saturday, February 8th at 5:30pm EST at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, where we’ll explore the art and writings of incarcerated people from across the country.
