An exhibit showcasing photographic portraits and stories of formerly incarcerated individuals struggling to rebuild their lives under the burden of court-ordered debt is now on display at the Central Library’s Level 8 Gallery. A satellite exhibit opens at the Green Lake Branch gallery on April 26.
“Living with Conviction: Sentenced to Debt for Life in Washington State” displays around 20 black-and-white, large-format portraits of people — mothers, fathers, veterans, workers — who share the devastating impact of trying to pay off costs, fees, fines, and restitution — known as legal financial obligations, or LFOs — that are imposed at the time of sentencing.
LFOs can accrue interest for decades, including while the person is in prison. LFOs disproportionately impact the people with the least ability to pay, criminalizing poverty and perpetuating cycles of incarceration.
“Ultimately, our goal is to shine a light on our common humanity,” says Deborah Espinosa, photographer, founder, and executive director of the nonprofit Living with Connection, which created the exhibit in partnership with formerly incarcerated individuals.
In the exhibit you’ll meet Keshena, mother to two teenage boys. Keshena is not only paying off her own LFO debt, but also those of her husband. “It affects my mom, it affects my dad, and it affects my boys because they don’t get as much as they should be able to get,” Keshena said about the burden of LFOs. “For everything I have done in the past, they suffer for now.” Keshena is board president of Living with Conviction.
Michael story is also featured. Michael, a Native American disabled veteran, was sentenced for possession and delivery of methamphetamines, along with $11,000 in LFOs, which grew to $17,000 in five years. “When I took my guilty plea, I didn’t think that I was going to be doing a life sentence,” Michael said. “The interest on these fines makes it where a person on a limited income will never be able to get out from the wreckage of the past.”
On Sunday, April 26, the Green Lake Branch gallery exhibit opens with a reception and film screening starting at 5:30 p.m. Both exhibits will be on display through Sunday, July 26.
Through the exhibit, film screenings, and community conversations, “Living with Conviction” hopes to not just raise awareness, but also to empower people to exercise their rights to reduce their debt and advocate for legislative change.
“Living with Conviction” Programs
- Green Lake Branch opening and film screening. Sunday, April 26, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 7364 E. Green Lake Dr. N. Celebrate the opening of the “Living with Conviction: Sentenced to Debt for Life in Washington State” at the Green Lake Branch gallery, followed by a screening of the film “Apart” and a post-film discussion. “Apart” follows three women incarcerated on drug-related charges who, with the help of a unique re-entry program, rebuild their lives and relationships with their children.
- “Living with Conviction” Community Conversation. Sunday, May 17, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. Join us for this special event featuring panelists living with court-imposed debt. The program supports Living with Conviction’s commitment to educating and breaking down the barriers between people with criminal histories and those without, thereby recognizing each other’s humanity.
- Film screening of “Since I Been Down.” Sunday, May 31, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Library, Level 1 Microsoft Auditorium. Join us for a screening of “Since I Been Down,” a documentary that follows the efforts of Kimonti Carter and other incarcerated individuals to create a model of education that is transforming their lives, their communities, our prisons, and our own humanity. The event will include a moderated discussion with filmmaker Dr. Gilda Sheppard, Kimonti Carter, and Tonya Wilson, also featured in the film.
A statewide advocacy coalition including Living with Conviction shared these individuals’ stories in 2017 and 2018, which led to the first major LFO policy reform in Washington state. Some of these stories are included in this exhibit. Subsequent reforms have created more rights to relief, particularly where people lack the ability to pay.
“Living with Conviction: Sentenced to Debt for Life in Washington State” is supported by The Seattle Public Library Foundation and ArtsFund.