"In photographer Peter Merts' images of California's Arts in Corrections program, a smiling man is pictured with an acrylic portrait of Pope Francis. It is a fitting choice of subject in a photo series that explores rehabilitation and redemption in America's prison system.

Even before the California Institution for Men established an arts program, the 54-year-old, who is not named in Merts' new book, had begun teaching himself to paint using only the few books and supplies that he had access to. When the prison piloted an arts class, he signed up.

His skills progressed to the point where he became an "inside facilitator," helping the instructors deliver classes and mentoring fellow students. After serving time for murder, he was released from prison and immediately hired by the same teaching program he had assisted. He still creates art and teaches painting to anyone interested... Read More at CNN"