Marvin Sides
Marvin Sides has been out of prison for 8 months after being granted clemency and serving 30 years. Art was one of the ways Marvin made meaning during his years inside. Working with whatever materials he could access - acrylic paints, clay, foam, cardboard, even toilet paper and glue - he created paintings and sculptures that carried the imprint of effort, resilience, and transformation.

In Marvin’s own words:
My name is Marvin Sides. In 1995 I was charged and convicted of 1st degree murder. I was given a 640 month sentence (53 1/2 yrs). As a child my parents severely abused me in every manner of horror you could think of and for some that’s hard to imagine. At 8, I was removed and they were incarcerated for their crimes. Parental rights terminated and the foster system became my next journey.
Early on I found art. Painting was surprisingly a place of sanctuary but short-lived as I was moved often. As most kids did, I doodled on paper, my first piece of art was sunflowers and a barn. In 2nd grade, I won my first award for a drawing of a hawk. I always found creative outlets even in the darkest times.
At 14, I was placed in my final home and the abuse was equal to that of my childhood. I took his life and ended up with a life of imprisonment. Immediately I turned to art as my comfort.
Inside, I taught art to anyone who wanted to learn while at the same time learning. In around 2010 I was given an opportunity to start doing art for Uganda fundraising from someone I would now consider my chosen mom. This brought me so much joy and I applied my talent to helping others in a very real way. Doors started to open to make new connections within the prison system that allowed me to teach art to individuals in a class setting.
Unconditional Freedom gave me the final tool to bring it all together in forgiveness. To forgive each person who harmed me in a very real way and to forgive myself. My heart broke wide open and flooded with love and I couldn’t believe how this unlocked every door for me. Creating art programs within the prison system with other like minded individuals, the prison now flourishes with art.
April 4, 2025 I was given clemency by our governor. It has been a true honor to share this journey with so many and I’m so grateful for the 30 years I spent in prison as it opened me to something remarkable.
Thank you for your time and may you have a blessed life with deep love.

Marvin Sides DOC #747654
Walla Walla State Penitentiary & Stafford Creek Correction Center WA. State
Currently living in Walla Walla Washington 99362
Email: Mesides4425@gmail.com