The long dark corridor was silent except for the shuffling of my shackled feet and the bailiff's low breathing.

But my mind was deaf to everything exempt the words "Twenty-three point seven five years", which ricocheted off the walls, a relentless bone curling echo... My crime was non-violent, a quite offense, white collar, fraud (No one had predicted a sentence of this magnitude).

When I looked back into the courtroom the benches were a blur of unfamiliar faces. I saw no one there for me. My attorney had brought in a few people from his office, a silent effort to make my side of the room look a little less naked.

The thought of asking for family support was a non-starter, a sick joke. The moment they heard the news of my sentence they made their decision. Out of sight out of mind. The less painful it would be for them. This felt like a physical blow. What about my pain, my loneliness? Did that not account for anything? All these years, not a single visit. The only contact was a few phone calls and an occasional email. I never had a food visit, nor was able to participate in any fundraiser. Holidays were just another day.

But, the loneliness was a canvas. I taught myself to paint with watercolor. I found a talent I never knew I had. Soon, I had a following. "The Bad Birdee" became my name. A title that felt like a badge of honor instead of a punishment.

I became known as the Bird Lady of Perryville, the Bird Whisperer. While everyone else saw flying rats or pests, I saw beauty, yes, I mean pigeons. In those pigeons I found a kind of respect and love I'd never known. They taught me more about survival than any human had. I decided to shed the old name, "The Bad Birdee" and decided to morph into something new, something that felt earned; "The Pampered Pigeon"

My release came and went a couple of weeks ago. Now with my freedom I want to give something back.

I'm going to start showcasing the amazing world of artists still in prison and recently released. These artists rarely receive awards for their accomplishments, but I believe that talent deserves to be seen. As I've learned and now believe more than ever, we all need to be pampered.

I hope you'll follow me in this new journey. I found my purpose behind bars and now I want to help others find theirs.

By purchasing their art you'll be giving these artists a voice and a reason to keep going. You'll be helping them. Just as I was helped to find dignity in an undignified place.