We Are Still Here is an exhibition that encompasses the personal and lived experiences of those currently and formerly imprisoned. This exhibit includes poetry, drawings, paintings, collages, and more as a means to uplift their voices, the same voices that have been overshadowed and suppressed by the dominant society. This exhibit aims to empower the currently and formerly imprisoned by functioning as a fundraiser for the community to invest in their lives. From September 2020 to February 2021, This exhibition was organized by volunteers from Black and Pink PDX, Liberation Literacy, All Rise Mag, APANO, Rosewood Initiative, Unite Oregon, and the Black Community of Portland. The in-person exhibition is located in Orchards of 82nd and APANO shared lobby space, 8118 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97206. This space is private for the residents of O82 and APANO staff. An online event was hosted on February 20, 2021 for the general public that consisted of [1] live performances (poems and speeches), [2] a poetry reading of works by people still imprisoned, and [3] a chance to meet the artists featured in the exhibit including their loved ones (for those still imprisoned). The image above is by Blue.

If you missed the opening event online, please click here to watch it.

Blue

• Blue is a Portland artist who works in a wide range of mediums. He was incarcerated for almost 12 years.

Jerome Sloan

• Jerome has been incarcerated with a Life without the Possibility of Parole sentence since 1994. Jerome and his attorney have been working on a commutation petition in the hope that Governor Brown might change his sentence so that he can seek parole and a release. “Restorative” is new series of paintings inspired by both Jerome’s experiences in restorative justice classes and his deep dive into his past while working on his commutation petition. Jerome has been featured in several Oregon art shows over the years.

Samson Loynachan

• "Since 2010, Sam has been incarcerated at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Abilene, Texas with a Life Sentence. His many attempts for State appeal were ignored or not addressed. Finally, after 8 years a Federal Judge said he had cause for appeal and ordered the State to review the case. The prosecutor sent his court appointed lawyer a request to review Sams case and his lawyer said there was no change. Part of Sams appeal was ineffectiveness of council, (which was true) so the court appointed lawyer did not want to incriminate himself. Documentation from Sam was still sent by Sam to the Appeal Judge, but the Appeal Judge read the Prosecutors notes, and with extreme caseloads was not obligated to look so just accepted what the Prosecutor sent. The Appeal Judge didn't even read Sams submittal which should have granted him a retrial. Sam caused the accidental death of a child, not murder. The Prosecutor had told him if he did not take a plea deal for 10 years, they were going for the Maximum penalty, which was LIFE. He pled NOT guilty to murder because this was a horrible accident and Sam assumed justice would prevail. He exhausted his resources as far as he knows, and spent 10 years trying to get justice. He has found an outlet when he discovered an artistic ability, and is honing it on various subjects. "She Screams Alone" is about a child whose parent was suddenly taken from them. She no longer knows him, and the confusing pain and anguish leaves her flailing. He has also painted "How Far Away is Yesterday" which was published in the 2020 Iron City Magazine, and other art, including "COVID" and various bird art which have appeared on the Justice Arts Coalition website." - Sam's mother, Kathy

Jetcet

• Dallas Texas raised skate rat. Pdx native now for about 10 years (even though I was born here) Anyways-street art, graffiti art, multi media, abstract-I’m into so much art, I couldn’t do “branding “ it would drive me crazy and kill what’s left of my soul having to do the same image over and over. I just go with what’s in my head, it has to come out or my head will explode-like in total recall.

Kirk Charlton

• I grew up in Hawaii and New York and I am told that the contrast between the two often show in my art. As a child I was influenced to create and to use my imagination. I use all mediums doing portraits, murals, sculpture, caricatures, airbrushing, tattoos and more. I love to draw. Drawing is the key. I make lots of loose lines and eventually pick one that works for me. I teach art and have also developed an evidence based program called Art Inside Out. AIO uses art as a vehicle to create a better "you." I am the creator of the "I Want To Be" (IWB) children's books series. My books are diverse, educational, and fun! My art show called"My Personal Experience" will be at the Paragon Arts and other galleries soon. I have had an interesting life and have a cautionary story that I use to help others in my AIO program.

A.C Amin

• A.C Amīn (Andrew Campos-Amīn) is a mentor, poet, artist, and an all-around creative expressionist. His work is a representation of how he views the world around him and copes with his experiences. Amīn is committed to impacting the lives of young men and women who come from the same struggles, with his vulnerability, his courage, creative expression, and leadership. He is the founder of `First Reform S.E.L.F`. A self-help organization designed to fill lives with purpose, move hearts with emotional literacy, develop character with integrity, & enrich minds with financial education.

Joshua Edward Wright

• Joshua Wright spent 50 months imprisoned. During that time, they were able to accomplish such things as co-found Liberation Literacy; name and co-create ALL RISE Magazine, and start the first Gender and Sexuality class in the Oregon Department of Corrections. They currently live in Portland and continue to engage in community organizing, education, and activism, with a main focus of social justice and prison abolition.

Lady Jade Vixxyn

• Lady Jade Vixxyn is still incarcerated at Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla, Oregon.

Anastazia Schmid

• Anastazia is an artist, activist, and PhD student in Ethnic Studies at University of California-Riverside. She blends her knowledge and artistic expressions in her work and contributes her time and talents to numerous charitable, activist, and outreach causes. She is a founding member of the Indiana Women’s Prison History Project, a research team engaged in re-writing the history of women’s prisons and institutions. Her area of emphasis is nineteenth century gender and sexuality: the history of gynecology/obstetrics, medicalization of women’s bodies, sex work, epistemic injustice/ violence, and trauma. She also works in collaboration with Abolition Journal Collective, IDOC Watch anarchist collective, the Lumina Foundation, National Council of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, Constructing Our Future, Focus Re-Entry Initiative, Silent Cry, Inc., Underground Scholars, and Memento Mori Paranormal History Hunters.

• The Many Faces of We: The first layer are literal prints of my face

• https://vimeo.com/514003124/76f2a3a75e

Nikki Gonzalez

• Nikki is currently incarcerated at the Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP).

• LGBTQ Communal Private Non-profit Lodging: I decided to design this for the LGBTQ Community because of the great demand needed. Most non profit buildings are prior government buildings, which are badly design, plain, pale, square depressing ugly buildings, which only bring down your morale. This LGBTQ Home Mansion is here to stay. We are both rich in culture and in the arts. This mansion home welcomes and assist every transgender, gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer person in our community in providing free shelter (room & board), assistance in job training, lodging, legal assistance, educational opportunities, and medical services to the homeless, teenage run-aways, the jobless, in obtaining a job, housing to get you back on your feet. This mansion and location will motivate you for achieving success, as it welcomes you, loves you, and gives you hope, and acceptance as a LGBTQ person (including families). NOTE: In 2021, I will be publishing my first book entitled: “Architectural Designing: The Future in Relation to Better Designing,” (Track house Byers vs. custom home buyers, for first time house Byers, and professionals in the field) with the introduction of five of my designs.

• If you would like to be Nikki's penpal, feel free to write to her at

  • Nicolas Gonzalez #13289685, OSP, Nicolas Gonzalez, 2605 State St, Salem, OR 97310

Brian H.

• Brian is still incarcerated at Warner Creek Correctional Facility in Lakeview, OR.

Kelashandra Brown (Rayvn Fae Cramer)

• Kelashandra is still incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, OR.

Jeffrey Winchester

• I have been incarcerated for 31 years and have supported myself primarily with my artwork. I draw faeries mainly because of my love for them. I draw cards and larger pictures and am passionate about color. Lately, I have been getting interested in Native American artwork.

• Black and Pink PDX – Incarcerated folks in general, and particularly queer and trans incarcerated folks, so often have their sexuality and sexual expression repressed, censored, and criminalized.