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The New Press & Vox Populi

Still Doing Life, a project by Howard Zehr and Barb Toews, co-facilitated by The New Press and Vox Populi Gallery, consists of 22 pairs of photographs taken 25 years apart of individuals serving life sentences without the possibility of parole in Pennsylvania prisons. The photographs and corresponding text present a deeply moving tableau of people who, for the past quarter-century, have been trying to live meaningful lives while facing the likelihood that they will never be free. First presented at the Heim Center for Civic and Cultural Engagement at the Free Library of Philadelphia in 2022, the Still Doing Life exhibition and programs have been generously supported by the Art for Justice Fund. The text panels of Still Doing Life offer an overview and introduction to the project written by Zehr and Toews, information on mass incarceration and life without possibility of parole sentencing, and an overview of restorative justice practice and philosophy.

stilldoinglife.com
Two photographs side by side of Cyd Berger, taken in 1992 and 2017, one in black and white and the other in color. Berger is Black and in both photos she is smiling warmly, head against her hand. Text statements appear beneath each photo.

Howard Zehr and Barb Toews

Still Doing Life
2022
Printed canvas
22 x 22 inches
Two photographs side by side of Diane Weaver, taken in 1992 and 2017, one in black and white and the other in color. Weaver is white and in both photos she is smiling and has bangs that frame her face. Text statements appear beneath each photo

Howard Zehr and Barb Toews

Still Doing Life
2022
Printed canvas
22 x 22 inches
Two photographs side by side of Charles Diggs, taken in 1992 and 2017, one in black and white and the other in color. Diggs is Black and in both photos he is smiling warmly, resting his chin in his hand. Text statements appear beneath each photo.

Howard Zehr and Barb Toews

Still Doing Life
2022
Printed canvas
22 x 22 inches
Two photographs side by side of Joseph Miller, taken in 1992 and 2017, one in black and white and the other in color. Miller is white and in both photos he is smiling. Text statements appear beneath each photo.

Howard Zehr and Barb Toews

Still Doing Life
2022
Printed canvas
22 x 22 inches
Two photographs side by side of Harry Twigs, taken in 1992 and 2017, one in black and white and the other in colour. Twigs is Black and in both photos he holds clasped hands beneath his chin. Text statements appear beneath each photo.

Howard Zehr and Barb Toews

Still Doing Life
2022
Printed canvas
22 x 22 inches
Two photographs side by side of John Frederick Nole, taken in 1992 and 2017, one in black and white and the other in color. Nole is Black and in both photos he smiles and has his arms crossed across his chest. Text statements appear beneath each photo.

Howard Zehr and Barb Toews

Still Doing Life
2022
Printed canvas
22 x 22 inches
A graphic text panel with white text against a blue background giving information on the history and aims of Still Doing Life, along with a box featuring selected pairs of photographs from the exhibition.
Text panel with white text against a blue background giving information about restorative justice principles and practice, as the approach of Howard Zehr and Barbara Toews to their work and to the exhibition.
Text panel with white text against a blue background giving information about life sentences without the chance of parole.