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County to display 'Heart Stories' artwork made at CTF; Life on Art program aims to support rehabilitation
Summary
The Board heard a presentation from Life on Art founder Tracy Farren about an eight‑week 'Heart Stories' program run at the California Training Facility (CTF). The resulting papier‑mâché heart artworks will be displayed in the county's lobby and other local venues beginning in October.
A program that brings community volunteers and incarcerated men together to make paper‑mâché "winged hearts" and share personal narratives will display its work in Monterey County starting in October, program founder Tracy Farren told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 30.
Farren described Life on Art's "Heart Stories" curriculum, an eight‑week workshop that provides each participant with a white painted papier‑mâché heart, a journal and art supplies. Over the course of the workshop participants write and paint their "heart stories." Farren said the model pairs community volunteers with incarcerated participants and that the finished hearts are presented with a digital portrait and, in some cases, a recorded message by the artist.
"The power of art to transform and elevate and unite people is unparalleled. It really creates hope," Farren said during the presentation. County staff said the exhibit will be installed in the county lobby, at the Soledad post office and at the presenter’s office in South County; the lobby show is scheduled to begin the first week of October and run through the month.
Why it matters: Supervisors and public commenters framed the program as a rehabilitation and community‑reentry practice. Supervisor Lejo noted the county's two correctional facilities and the large incarcerated population housed in the county and called the program a promising path to encourage change. Supervisor Church and others praised the program's role in rehabilitation and in strengthening ties between inside and outside communities.
Community partnership and next steps: Life on Art said it is seeking local volunteers and partners to sustain the program and expand local facilitation so the group need not travel from Sonoma County for every workshop. Tracy Farren requested county help identifying local nonprofits, universities and volunteer facilitators; Soledad Councilwoman Evarista Banguelos, present via Zoom, said she would share the program information with local committees and support outreach.
Public comments: Several attendees with lived experience praised the program and urged broader support for reentry and community services. The board did not take a formal vote; members expressed support and encouraged public engagement and attendance at the exhibit.
Ending: The Board thanked Life on Art and embraced outreach to local volunteers and institutions to help host future workshops and related public events.
