Prisoner Paints Mementos for Hurting Families

September 10, 2014 by Rebekah L. Stratton

Michael Bellotti went to prison at the age of 24 for drug charges, but he didn’t let his 12-year sentence go to waste.

Michael began painting. Although he had never taken an art class, he painted every chance he got, and all his practice showed amazing results.

While Michael was in prison, he received the news that his cousin had passed away from cancer. To honor him, Michael painted a portrait of his cousin and sent it to his family. For Michael’s aunt, the portrait was an unexpected source of healing, and it sparked an idea for helping other grieving families, too.

Filed Under: Advocacy & Reentry, Prison & Prisoners, Prison Fellowship News & Updates, Second Chance Month

SELECT A TOPIC

  • Advocacy & Reentry
  • Angel Tree
  • Families of Prisoners
  • Feature Stories
  • From the CEO
  • Hope Events
  • Inside Journal
  • Press Releases
  • Prison & Prisoners
  • Prison Fellowship Academy
  • Prison Fellowship International
  • Prison Fellowship News & Updates
  • Reentry
  • Second Chance Month
  • Uncategorized
  • Video
  • Warden Exchange

MOST POPULAR

Prison Fellowship Leads Nationwide Day of Action Urging Congress To Pass Second Chance Month Resolution

April 14, 2026

Prison Fellowship Honors Pat Nolan with 2026 Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award at Ceremony in Washington, DC.

April 10, 2026

A Grandmother’s Gratitude: Sharon’s Story

April 8, 2026

LATEST VIDEOS

Watch all videos