In 1971, artist Faith Ringgold created a monumental painting “For the Women’s House” for the women incarcerated at Rikers Island jail. Fifty years later, artist Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter, who gave birth in prison 15 years ago, finds herself banding together with an eclectic group of activists, politicians, artists, corrections officers, and Faith Ringgold herself to free the artwork with the ultimate goal of freeing the women. Paint Me a Road Out of Here is a wild tale of the painting’s whitewashed journey and the two artists who challenged the same powerful and oppressive institutions, a half century apart, with their artwork, their voices and their shared, persistent goals.
Following the screening, join us for moderated discussion with Catherine Gund, Director and Producer of the film and Leah Faria film participant and activist.
Founder and Director of Aubin Pictures, Catherine Gund is an Emmy-nominated and Academy-shortlisted producer, director, writer, and activist. Her media work focuses on strategic and sustainable social transformation, arts and culture, HIV/AIDS and racial, reproductive and environmental justice. Her films have screened around the world in festivals, theaters, museums, and schools; on PBS, HBO, Paramount+, the Discovery Channel, Sundance Channel, Free Speech TV, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. She won the 2023 Gracie Award for Documentary Producer. Her recent films include: Paint Me a Road Out of Here, Meanwhile, Angola Do You Hear Us? Voices From a Plantation Prison (Academy shortlist), Primera (HBO), Aggie (Strand Releasing), and Born to Fly (Emmy nominated). She has served on several arts, media, and justice nonprofits boards and has been a creative advisor on numerous documentary films. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. An alumnus of Brown University and the Whitney Independent Study Program, she has four children and lives in NYC.
Leah Faria is a passionate and mission-driven activist with deep expertise in the criminal justice system. She has dedicated her career to advancing gender, racial, and social justice through community engagement, advocacy, and program operations. Having worked closely with marginalized communities, providing direct support, fostering partnerships, and advocating for systemic change at organizations like Women’s Community Justice Association, Housing Works, Exodus Transitional Community, Bowery Residents Committee, and A Little Piece of Light, Leah’s work has focused on creating inclusive, trauma-informed spaces where individuals can reclaim their power and agency. She is also certified in Re-Entry Acceleration, Peer Advocacy, emergency response and crisis management.
Committed to amplifying diverse voices, The New School offers more than a thousand public programs and events each year, providing fresh perspectives and unique learning opportunities. These lectures, exhibitions, concerts, and performances feature prominent and emerging artists, activists, and thought leaders. Be sure to visit our Events Calendar to see the full roster.
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