Prison Art

Prison Art is an offshoot of The Louisiana Commission For The Poor, (LCP). The LCP was created to reach out to men and women in prison and help provide a pathway for prisoners to find their footing both inside of prison and once they return to society. The idea is to pay prisoners to produce art work, set up a gallery(s) in New Orleans (and in time other cities in other states), and sell their artwork. The proceeds would, in part go back to the artist with the balance being withheld to cover administrative overhead and for prisoners returning to society such that they will have employment upon leaving prison.

The LCP was established to assist the poor, homeless and mentally ill on weekends when finding resources, such as, food, clothing and temporary shelter can be problematic.In addition the LCP was founded to help prisoners.

An additional project of the LCP is backpacks for the homeless.Many people are not comfortable passing cash through their car window to the homeless.However, many would be glad to give out backpacks full of supplies and coupons for food to the homeless.

Besides prison art and backpacks for the homeless, the LCP, will be reaching out to MACCI, a local benevolent organization designed to help the homeless and mentally ill receive their social security benefits. MACCI is an outstanding resource for training professionals as to the best practices for relating to the mentally ill.

While the LCP is registered with the state of Louisiana as charitable entity, it has yet to complete its registration as a 5013C.Therefore, the first $2000 raised will be applied toward legal and accounting fees to establish a 5013C.Once this phase has been completed, all donations will be tax-deductible.

The LCP is seeking two hundred fifty thousand dollars.This will include a cash reserve to pay prisoners for their art work, lease a gallery(s), employ prisoners to work in the gallery, cover administrative cost, assist with shelter for homeless families, the purchase of supplies for the homeless, and help purchase food for the poor, mental ill and homeless for weekend meals and it will afford the LCP time to raise money via fundraisers while pursuing daily operations and reaching out to those in most need of assistance.

In time, the concept will be carried to every state, for example: The Main Commission For The Poor, The Texas Commission For The Poor, The California Commission For The Poor, etc. We are coming to a town near you!