Minnesota Circle Interviews Antonio Espinosa
Officer Antonio Espinosa recently retired as a prison guard of 19 years at the Stillwater Prison but his work is just beginning. After the murder of his friend and co-worker, Antonio knew he wanted to honor him and make a lasting change within the prison system. Art from the Inside is a project that brings the art of incarcerated individuals out in front of the public, provides hope and feelings of worth to inmates, and will ultimately shift your view of the many human beings living within the prison walls.
“I’m just one person trying to make a change in our system. I want to help transform these men and help the [DOC] community heal after the killing of my friend and fellow correctional officer, Joseph Gomm. Art just happened to be the vehicle that brought us together to have these difficult conversations.”
Bio: Antonio is the founder, creator and brains behind Art From the Inside. He is a correctional officer with over 18 years of experience at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater, Minnesota. He has served on system-wide and institutional committees focused on supporting offenders as they transition back into the community. He launched and co-facilitates a men’s support group for offenders called Stand Up. Antonio coordinates cultural events for the offenders and is a role model to his peers. He is committed to ensuring a safe and positive environment focused on uplifting and healing for offenders.
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