Corey Devon Arthur: One Painting Away from Being a Whole Man

by Judy Meikle
Wilton Quaker Meeting

Corey Devon Arthur is an artist, published writer, and practicing Quaker. His upcoming exhibition of paintings and drawings, “She Told Me To Save the Flower,” explores feminism and his connections with feminist women. Since becoming incarcerated at the age of 19, Corey has suffered under the patriarchal domination culture of violence, control, and aggression that is at the heart of our prison system. He says, “The criminal justice system with all its patriarchal knowledge and resources gave me a cell/cage to become an animal in. They gave me a wooden baton, chemical agents, gloved fists, and steel toe boots to wound my flesh. They tell society justice has been served. I rebelled against all their treatments. In response they increased their doses tenfold. I only became colder and reverted deeper into the dark.”

Historically, Quakers had a hand in reforming 18th-century dungeons into modern-day penitentiaries. Quakers have also accompanied people in ways that have mitigated the pains of incarceration. Corey’s journey is a testimony to this. Corey recalls his first encounter with Quakers: “I attended an Alternatives to Violence Project three-day retreat. It was a pivotal moment in my redemption. I was 23. I only went to get away from the stressful and violent atmosphere of the prison. When I found out the volunteers were Quakers, I went on a rant about how the Quakers created this hell hole called prison. They let me scream and yell until I began to cry. Cheerful Charlotte (a volunteer) cried along with me and simply responded, ‘I’m sorry Corey.’ Then she hugged me. That was the first time I had an inkling of how bad I was hurting and how bad I had hurt others.”

Corey began to attend Quaker Meetings on a regular basis. “Becoming a Quaker allowed me to confront the pain of my inner truths within a community of love and trust. I learned how to shape out the contours of my spirit using the sources of my truth. As I became more conscious of my spirit, I also became aware of its source and its place in the spiritual community of Quakerism and God. Quakerism cracked a spiritual code that I could never break with just my humanity alone.”

In addition to Quakerism, Corey’s personal transformation has been greatly impacted by his relationship with seven women, as well as his exploration of feminism. “These women introduced me to feminism… They healed me without breaking my bones and locking me in cages... It began when they created a space of radical acceptance that empowered me to be honest with my authentic self. They taught me how to honestly engage my emotions. Beginning to understand my emotions led to me understanding the feelings of the people I hurt and why it was important for me to apologize and make amends.” 

Corey expresses strong emotions through his art. “Something special comes about by sharing yourself in small but sure measures. As an artist, I take it as one brush stroke at a time. As a wounded animal, I take it as one heartbeat to becoming a person again. Somewhere along the way, a savage that slings words and sketches, became just a tortured artist, and one painting away from being a whole man.”

A collection of Corey’s work dedicated to the women who have impacted his life will be exhibited at My Gallery, 587 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn from March 4th – 18th 2023. Friends are encouraged to visit. The exhibition is being organized by artists/curators Sasha Chavchavadze and Larry Weekes, both attenders at Brooklyn Monthly Meeting. Supporters include the BMM Ad Hoc Group for Welcoming (Formerly) Incarcerated Friends, Empowerment Avenue, and the Fulton Art Fair. For more information and to donate: www.gofundme.com/f/hosting-a-feminist-art-show-from-prison.