BIO
My name is Antonio Howard (Peggy’s son); I am an autodidactic Erie, PA artist. At age 15, I was incarcerated and sentenced to life in prison, where I served 26 ½ years. While in prison, I educated myself through instructional books on the concepts and processes of visual art.
Released in 2018, I now live as a valued member of the community committed to serving others and creating connection points through art that sparks meaningful dialog. I am the 2019 recipient of Erie Arts & Culture’s Emerging Artist Fellowship. I am also a 2021 Teaching Artist through Erie Arts & Culture / Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Since 2020, I have participated in the creation of multiple murals throughout Erie County, including one honoring 93-year-old veteran, educator, and civic leader - Luther Manus.
I am the author of three self-published books. I participate as a guest speaker and presenter, focusing on topics related to the criminal legal system and equitable reform.
Released in 2018, I now live as a valued member of the community committed to serving others and creating connection points through art that sparks meaningful dialog. I am the 2019 recipient of Erie Arts & Culture’s Emerging Artist Fellowship. I am also a 2021 Teaching Artist through Erie Arts & Culture / Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Since 2020, I have participated in the creation of multiple murals throughout Erie County, including one honoring 93-year-old veteran, educator, and civic leader - Luther Manus.
I am the author of three self-published books. I participate as a guest speaker and presenter, focusing on topics related to the criminal legal system and equitable reform.
WHY PEGGY'S SON?
I am the son of Peggy Howard Arrington. I refer to myself as Peggy’s son as acknowledgment to my mother, with the hope that my demonstration as a man will mitigate the embarrassment I caused her during my childhood. As far back as I can recall, my negative behavior within the Erie community was attributed to her. That negatively impacted her in ways I’m still discovering , so it’s important for me to invoke her name in spaces where my behavior is one she can be proud of.
HOW IT BEGANMy foray into community art began in 2005 when I met Lily Yeh. Co-founder of The Village of Arts and Humanities, Lily, wielding nothing but love for community in her heart and willingness to view the artistic process as a people-centered connection point that builds relationships through the creative process, came into Graterford State Prison to welcome me, and others like me, back into the community; long before our official prison release date.
|
|