March 31, 2009 10:00 amtoApril 13, 2009 6:00 pm

Tattooed HandsThrough a tattoo removal program in San Luis Obispo, former gang members, ex-cons and drug addicts are getting their tattoos removed as a way to get on with their lives and further their chances of finding work.

With the support of the Council, visual artist Janet Allenspach interviewed photographed and recorded the stories of 10 participants in the San Luis Obispo program. Now the public will have a chance to see Allenspach’s work at the San Luis Obispo Art Center this spring. The exhibit, “Erasing the Past, Building the Future,” opens on March 31 and runs through April 13. An opening reception will take place on April 3 from 6-8 pm.

“These are stories of perseverance and courage and of the incredible determination of people who just want to be accepted and succeed in their normal lives,” Allenspach said. “My hope is that stories and photographs will empower participants and enable outsiders to better understand this population.” More about the exhibit.

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