In The Works!
A Portrait of Dee!!
Jack Ruffner III, an inmate at the ACI in Cranston RI, has received widespread acclaim for his artwork. Jack is in the process of drawing a portrait of Dee Rowe for “The Basketball Bugle.” What follows is a sample of Jack’s creative flare, and a “Purpose Essay” he posted on Medium:
When I walked into Art class at Maximum Security in 2008, six years after my incarceration for murder, I was looking to pass some time. When that class ended two hours later, I sensed that I might be on the road to acquiring something that is vital to all inmates. In fact, to all human beings. A feeling of purpose. Since that fateful day, I have progressed from being a student of art to a daily practitioner of the craft. An artist whose work is praised by fellow inmates and correctional officers alike.
Most recently, my journey involved the giant step of serving as an assistant to our Art teacher, Mrs. Marrietta Cleasby, thus giving me the chance to share my knowledge with fellow inmates. In other words, that vision of purpose that I saw back in time has evolved into a daily passion that fills me with inspiration and hope.
Two years ago, yet another transforming event took place- a conversation with my fellow inmate, Dan Doyle. The conversation led to a project that elevated my purpose to a whole new level. Dan had already taken interest in my art, and he saw a way that I could use my gift to help others. The conversation led to the formation of “THE JACK RUFFNER III HALL OF HUMANITARIANS”.
The concept involves me selecting two inductees per year. The criteria are distinguished professional accomplishments accompanied by an earnest dedication to helping others. Following the lengthy conversation with Dan, I selected Bill Russell as my inaugural inductee based on his unwavering commitment to teamwork as an athlete, and his admirable dedication to the mentorship of young boys and girls since his retirement from the Boston Celtics in 1969
Drawing “Bill Russell In Winter”, Helping a Non-Profit Organization
Dan and I decided that a key element of “THE JACK RUFFNER III HALL OF HUMANITARIANS”, would be for me to draw a portrait of each inductee. I would then choose a non-profit dedicated to prison reform and successful inmate re-entry into society as the beneficiary of twenty- five signed and numbered prints of each honoree portrait. The dedicated non-profit would set the price. The New England Basketball Hall Of Fame has offered to spread the word of the Russell portrait to assure a speedy sellout. I will receive no compensation from the project but great satisfaction from the process.
In my next “P4” post, I will announce the non-profit beneficiary of the twenty-five Bill Russell prints. The post will state the simple process of purchase.
In two and a half years, I will become parole-eligible, my remorse for the crime I committed is immense; my commitment to do good for society is unwavering.
I hope “THE JACK RUFFNER III HALL OF HUMANITARIANS” will inspire other inmates to find purpose, as I have been so blessed to do.
