Phase two, developed in 2017 through 2019, stretched to the state of Pennsylvania to bring awareness of the stories of fourteen mothers detained for two years at the Berks County Residential Center, the first of three immigrant family prisons in the U.S. This county-run family prison has detained children as young as two-weeks-old and has a laundry list of human rights abuses. For 5 months, Ortiz visited the families while they were detained at Berks and continued to maintain contact with the mothers after their release. Their stories were highlighted in eight large-scale public art installations in the state capitol of Harrisburg and in the “Las Madres de Berks” documentary.
KAREN | CAPITOL STEPS | TEMPORARY MURAL
Karen, Installation on Capitol Steps, Harrisburg, Photo credit Colibri Workshop
Karen is a vinyl reproduction of a painting of Karen’s and her son’s eyes. The installation was temporarily installed on the steps of the Capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Karen and her 6 year-old son were detained for 651 days at the Berks family prison then deported back to El Salvador.
Karen, Capitol Steps, Harrisburg, Photo credit Colibri Workshop
Karen, Capitol Steps, Harrisburg, Photo credit Colibri Workshop
Karen, Capitol Steps, Harrisburg, Photo credit Colibri Workshop
Delmy and her son, Billboard, Harrisburg
Delmy and her son, Billboard, Harrisburg
BILLBOARDS AND BUS SHELTERS
Reproductions of paintings by Michelle Angela Ortiz were installed temporarily in ad spaces strategically located along the road to the Pennsylvania State Capitol building from the highway. The pieces highlighted quotes from one of the fourteen mothers who were detained at Berks Family Detention Center. The ads were installed for as long as five months. A map of the installations locations with more information and stories behind each image can be found here.
Delmy, Permanent Mural, Allison Hill, Harrisburg, Photo Credit: Salina Almanzar
DELMY | ALLISON HILL | PERMANENT MURAL
The only permanent installation from Phase Two: Harrisburg is this mural of Delmy and her son located in Allison Hill. The mural location was important to Ortiz. Allison Hill is the heart of the Black, Latinx, and Immigrant community of Harrisburg. It is located a short distance from the Capitol, yet is a neighborhood that is historically neglected by the city. The mural elevates the story of Delmy’s fight for her son and relates to the many stories of women fighting, sacrificing, and taking risks to give their families and their community a chance to thrive. The mural became the capstone of a statewide march organized by Ortiz and her community partner, The Shut Down Berks Coalition. The mural is also a dedication and memorial to Delmy’s life and legacy.
