A Warm Space
Behind the concrete walls of a nearly 5,000 bed maximum security prison an idea emerged. Often hidden and certainly not on exhibition is a world we tend to ignore, a world you and I don’t think about on any normal day. Labeled as a hell on earth and blanketed with the comical label of “Doghouse” is prison. It is a society of its own, drowned in cold concrete and holding the weight of all its inhabitant’s crimes inside its halls. Many different paths of lives will lead you here, some violent, some barbaric and some so accidental that the most “upright” citizen will feel a nudge of compassion when hearing about them. Commonly shared however is the fact that all of these labeled criminals carry a heartbeat, a breath and in turn a very active mind. The mind knows no limits and even in a confined space- like a flower growing between asphalt- it thrives. Emmanuel Kant once said “All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason. There is nothing higher than reason”. Reason and knowledge harvested from ones senses and urge to create can seem like something that simply does not happen in a place like prison. Because the mind cannot be controlled with paperwork, tear gas or even with the judge’s gavel. Here at Imerj we want to be the space where their minds can roam uncontrolled. They can create and dream, they can reach outside of the walls. Our efforts are directed along the path of respect for nature’s laws, social improvement and enrichment for all.
“Serving human beings by promoting their dignity and respect, making those who have felt defeated by life feel the tenderness of light. To leave a message that goes beyond faith: helping, listening, solidarity.”
This would not be a social evolution project without stating our main objectives: To give voice to outsider artists, the incarcerated and formally incarcerated artists and to allow them control over their destiny. To showcase the love of Art with the rest of the world by sharing works of outsider artists, to evolve artist styles- to evolve culture, to perpetuate social improvement and enrichment for all. This project is about us helping people redirect their misdirected energy, it is about helping people divulge their purpose in life, this is about social evolution and constant improvement. Art knows no barriers, boundaries, or prejudices. Art can be created across seas, oceans, and even in confinement. Art is created by the minds of those who have experienced emotions brought upon by the agonies and ecstasies of life. Art brings people from all walks of life together. Art makes us feel. Art makes us exist.
Everyone at Imerj- our staff, supporters, donors, mentors, workshop speakers, thought leaders, collectors and art professionals- all come to learn about the artists and see the work being created at our organization.
Happenings
Imerj will be hosting the very talented Ava Jackson this June 14th 2025 at the Be Free gallery.
Ava tells her life memories and friendships in this colorful “zine”. A refreshing collage-like piece that is so very needed in this digital age.
“Ava Jackson is an artist working in the Huntsville, Texas, area. She has been working as a designer and leader since her freshman year at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She co-founded Zine Club at UTSA which created a safe space for students to share their art and writing. Later, at the age of 19, she was hospitalized and opted to live every day as if it could be her last, and came up with the idea for Lucky Magazine, which compiled her personal art, design, and writing. She was hospitalized again at the age of 20 with a benign Prolactinoma and left the University of Texas. She plans to finish her college career at Sam Houston State University and earn a Bachelors in English with a teacher’s certificate to share the joy of creativity, sports, and music with a focus on human-first values. She aims to continue sharing her stories in various publications and artworks about God, mental health, and Texas.”
FEBRUARY 28th 2025 – It was magic! Doors to our physical location opened over the weekend in what we like to call our “soft” launch. The Be Free gallery became the super sweet hub of all things prison & outsider art. We had people from every background attend. In partnership with the annual prison city film festival, we were able to curate a very intimate show.
(Crispy wine sponsored by William Chris Vineyards)
JULY 20th 2024 – Imerj was excited to sponsor and speak at a San Angelo art show hosted by Darkwood Gallery. Imerj founder Daniel Celaya was able to connect with the public and speak about the mediums created behind walls. Colorful oils created with Vaseline and crushed colored pencils, crushed pencil led to make charcoal for shading and so much more. Educating others about Art and its lack of limits is everything Imerj stands for.
