Lewis Jim Fogle’s interest in art began as a child in Indiana County when he entered drawing contests in Reader’s Digest.
Years later, painting was a salvation when he was sentenced to a life in prison after being convicted of murdering a 15-year-old Indiana County girl — a crime he swore he didn’t commit. Painting helped time go by and mitigated some of the trauma of being wrongfully imprisoned.
“It was something to keep me calmed down whenever things got rough,” says Jim, as he is known. He served 34 years, more than half of his life, before he was released from prison in August and exonerated in September with the discovery of DNA evidence that excluded him as the killer.
Tonight, four paintings the 64-year-old completed while incarcerated will be among the works of five artists displayed at Levity Brewing Co., 1380 Wayne Ave. in Indiana. The free community art exhibit, titled “Local Art for the Light at Heart,” will run from 6 to 9 p.m.
A self-taught artist with no formal training, Jim’s works in oil and acrylic on 16- by 20-inch canvas board. His realistic paintings are primarily of covered bridges but also include Amish barns and animals. In prison, he would work from photographs sent by a friend.
“I’m awfully happy about it, to get exposure of my paintings. I’m pretty excited,” said Jim, who since being released has had a rough time financially and would like to market his artwork to earn money. Unlike 30 other states and the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania provides no compensation to those like Jim who are wrongfully convicted.
“I’m hoping something kicks off here so I can kick off the rest of my life.”
Helping him in developing a plan to market his artwork are a group of Indiana University of Pennsylvania students who are part of The Agency Program.
Michael A. Fuoco: mfuoco@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1968
First Published: April 29, 2016, 4:18 a.m.
