For this year’s International Women’s Day, Prison Arts Collective (PAC) is excited to draw attention and recognition to the ladies that are changing their lives while incarcerated at the California Institution for Women (CIW). The California State University Fullerton (CSUF) chapter of PAC is spearheaded by the highly respected and dedicated artist, mother, and teacher, Mary Anna Pomonis.

Mary Anna’s exclusive collaboration with California Locos aims to raise awareness to the programs that are offered through PAC. The collaboration showcases a series of custom designed collectible skateboards using some of her original artwork, curated by California Locos creative director, Nano Nóbrega.

The Locos have been inspired by this work and have donated blank skateboards for the PAC participants inside of CIW. The intention of this donation is to have the women inside paint their own custom skateboards in honor of their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, or any woman that has influenced them in a positive way. Once completed, the skateboards will be sold for auction with proceeds benefiting the artist’s families and the development of future programming at C.I.W. This process is intended to help in the symbolic and emotional reunion of women and their families. The mission behind the project is to help bring awareness and inspiration to younger generations by intertwining the skateboarding subculture and its direct connection to art and PAC.