Because I am getting older and because of the shift in world thinking, that has been mandated by the COVID-19, my question to myself became "How can I continue to serve my artistic self and the Greater Cleveland community in a more consistent, and socially aware outreach capacity that would continue to expand the awareness of the arts beyond the walls of an art gallery and/or museum building?" My answer: "The Art Palace on Wheels" a Mobile Art Gallery. This project is designed with a “high degree of flexibility” and accessibility in its desire and efforts to work with and engage the community. 

The Art Palace on Wheels will be an ongoing project of Kings & Queens of Art. Our First Exhibition of Work will be by Presently and Formerly Incarcerated Artists“ This is an exhibition of work by real people trying to do great and good things in dark worlds behind razor wire and in the communities that they are returning to. Our citizens who are presently incarcerated are often referred to as "The Forgotten Population". More than 650,000 prisoners are released nationwide each year, and the reintegration of men and women leaving prison is challenging policymakers and practitioners at the federal, state, and local levels. Often cited as being of greatest concern is the high rate of recidivism among former prisoners—half of whom return to prison within three years—yet, recidivism is only one outcome in the process of leaving prison and returning home. 

As a Creative Art Therapy Specialist and as a formerly incarcerated artist and Recovering Alcoholic and Addict with 23 years of uninterrupted sobriety, I have first-hand knowledge that one of the struggles of Presently and Formerly Incarcerated artists lies in their personal searches of Self-Acceptance and Community Acceptance. This outreach project was conceived with "Recidivism Prevention" in mind. It is my intent to allow for and build direct relationships between Presently and Formerly Incarcerated artists, neighborhood artists and the communities they inhabit or anticipate coming home to.

This endeavor is part of the mission and vision of Kings & Queens of Art: To support the self-expression of artists by providing quality and accessible, opportunities that promote individual development and improves the overall quality of life for artists and the community.