In the free world, summer means schools are out, grills are lit, and families gather to enjoy the sun. Summer in prison means showering to cool off, waiting for ice, and smelling smoke but never seeing fireworks or eating a burger.
Many Ohio prisons have a summer tradition known as Yard Day: a handful of tickets for refreshments, gym and yard games, performances, music, dancing and, perhaps most importantly, photographs with the friends who have become family.
On Saturday, September 14, the Returning Artists Guild and Wave Pool brought Yard Day to Valley Park as a free community celebration of summer, family and connection—while remembering those who lack the freedom to join us.
The day included lawn games, yoga, tie-dyeing, a spades tournament, food, music and dancing, along with free portraits by RAG artist and entrepreneur Montez Mickens. Returning Artists Guild artists Whitt Kretchek, Jamie Ochs and Reagan Sozo painted live throughout the day, and musical performances began at 4 p.m.
Community resources were also available throughout the event, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, voter registration, and backpacks and school supplies.
Yard Day was presented by the Returning Artists Guild and Wave Pool and was free and open to the public, with returning citizens and justice-impacted people especially encouraged to attend.
Event Photos
This is a RAG-hosted event.
