This 3 part program Aesthetic Illusions: A life in the arts features two workshops, one on civic education and one on artistic expression, designed to deepen participants’ understanding of democracy and their role within it. These culminate in a free public event featuring poet, author, and Professor Randall Horton. Formerly incarcerated as a young adult, Horton discovered poetry in prison and is now an award-winning author.
CT Juvenile Justice: Systems and Alternatives – Tuesday, April 28, 5:00 PM: The first workshop examines democracy in action through Connecticut’s Juvenile Justice System and its alternatives. Public officials and community leaders will explain how Juvenile Review Boards operate as a restorative alternative to court involvement. Attendees will discuss the school-to-prison pipeline, the disproportionate detention of Black and Hispanic youth, and principles including equal protection, accountability, and community responsibility. They will better understand how democratic systems provide both structure and second chances. – Click here to register for CT Juvenile Justice: Systems and Alternatives.
Arts & Civic Voice: Artmaking Workshop – Tuesday, May 19, 5:00 PM: The second workshop centers on the arts as a civic voice. Attendees will read Horton’s poetry and consider how education and creative expression transformed his life. Youth will create artistic responses through writing, music, dance, or visual arts, practicing critical thinking and public expression. Each participant will receive a free copy of Horton’s work to promote literacy and lifelong learning.
Meet Randall Horton: Presentation & Performance – Thursday, June 18, 4:00 PM: The three-part initiative culminates in a free public event featuring poet, author, and Professor Randall Horton. Formerly incarcerated as a young adult, Horton discovered poetry in prison and is now an award-winning author. The June 18 event will feature Horton speaking and performing with his band. This event is free with a reservation and will be at the Garde Art Center in New London, CT.
Presented by PARJE (Public Art for Racial Justice Education.)
