New Jersey Penitentiary annouces new art spaces in cellblocks

GLOUCHESTER TIMES
By Kelly Roncace

NEW JERSEY - When construction on Eastern State Penitentiary first began in 1822, a skylight was cut into the ceiling of each individual cell in the hopes that inmates would look to the heavens for repentence. A new artist installation for the 2012 season by Judith Schaechter fits perfectly with that early sentiment. Schaechter’s 17 stain glass windows, inspired by Eastern State, address in a “non-religious way, the psychological border territory between spiritual aspiration and human suffering.” “This is my dream exhibit,” Schaechter said, standing in front of a large arched window titled “The Battle of Carnival and Lent” which is placed above the exterior door in cellblock 11. “Each cell is reminiscent of a sacred space especially where the windows are placed.” [link]