Just Us: Art and Restorative Justice

About the Class

This workshop focuses on the relationship between art and restorative justice, a collaborative approach to crime and conflict that centers on dialogue and understanding to promote accountability and healing. Participants will examine the history of incarceration in the United States and the effects of the criminal justice system on individuals, communities, and society. The workshop will include close consideration of Just Us, a special exhibition of original artwork by emerging artists from Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Rec Crew and artists at SCI Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s maximum-security prison for men.

On view at the Barnes from June 26 to August 24, Just Us continues our commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary by recognizing the creative vision of historically marginalized artists.

Capacity: 25

Barnes classes will:

• Sharpen your observational and critical-thinking skills.
• Improve your ability to communicate about art.
• Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.

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What Our Students Say

“The instructor is a gifted individual who is able to [engage] with all different kinds of learners and motivate us to want to learn more, see more, and experience more. I would highly recommend any course by this instructor.” —Collection Concentration: Medieval Modern with Kaelin Jewell

“Martha Lucy knows how to balance her lecture with fact, excellent painting selections, and inclusion of the students.” —The Art and Life of Toulouse-Lautrec with Martha Lucy

“The best class to understand the elements of art. The instructor’s expertise and warmth, along with the excellent discussions with my classmates, made it a truly wonderful experience.” —The Elements of Art with William Perthes

“This class offered rich insight into Picasso and his contemporaries—the gallery scene, turn-of-the-century politics, Catalan culture, along with Picasso’s approach to composition and contemporary European culture. It was so informative.” —Picasso in Focus: New Discoveries at the Barnes with Christine Romano and Naina Saligram

“Caterina loves the material she presents and infuses all her classes—of which I have taken many—with that infectious enthusiasm.” —Rendez-vous au Café: Café Culture in 19th-Century Art with Caterina Pierre