Lens and pens [electronic resource] : art in an unexpected place.

New York, NY : Filmakers Library, 2011.

English

This edition in English.

1 online resource (26 min.).

This inspiring film tells the story of a poetry, painting, and photography workshop and its profound impact on three people deemed by the criminal justice system 'not guilty by reason of insanity." Relegated to the John Howard Pavilion--the former maximum-security wing of Washington, DC's, historic St. Elizabeths Hospital--patients Ronnie, Pam, and Kevin are chosen by the social worker Ed Washington to participate in the new program: Lens, Pens, Brushes & Friends. Ed opens the film's narrative as he expresses his intent that the arts workshop begin to bridge the divide between this treatment population and the outside community. Framed by his recollections of the program's evolution, laced with interviews of Ronnie, Pam, and Kevin and the workshop's three volunteer-teachers (representing poetry, photography, and painting) and graced by footage of the students' artwork, the documentary gives every indication that Ed's hopes will be realized. With public exhibits, performances, and even sales of their art, and with substantial leaps in artistic skill and self-confidence, Ronnie, Pam, and Kevin grow beyond anything they could have imagined, and must now balance a newfound freedom with an uncertain future.

Title from resource description page (viewed Dec. 6, 2011).

Previously released as DVD.

Honorable Mention, 58th Columbus International Film & Video Festival ("Chris Awards"), 2010
Honorable Mention, Voice Awards (US Substance Abuse & Mental)
Mental Health America Media Award, 2010

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