My name is Mitch Smiley, I am an artist and ex-con and this is my story. I went to prison at the age of 17 for second degree (for aiding and abetting). I received a 15 to life sentence. I worked really hard to get released and it finally happened, I was released 5 years ago after doing 38 years in prison. Upon my release, my wife and I moved up to a rural town in Northern California. My wife and I started a T-shirt and Art Business (my artwork) called "Hard Intentions" about 3 years ago, Jesse James from Orange County Choppers gave me a shout out and gave us a big boost. I also started a You Tube Channel and I am so grateful for the people I have met through social media and all of he support we have received. I will always be grateful to those who helped me inside the walls and outside. I am now 60 years old. I work 3 jobs and my wife works full time, we hustle with morals. All of the things I hoped to accomplish (although a little later in life) have come to fruition, I have a roof over my head, we have a car and I have a beautiful motorcycle. Although I am no longer a young man, I love the freedom that I am now the recipient of. Last week, we took a family vacation to Arizona and I fell in love with it. My wife and I found a 3 acre property with a house, that we put an offer on it. This raffle will help bring this dream to reality. Thank you everyone for your love and support, words can not express what this means to me for real.
The Prize
The Wedge - Painted by Mitch Smiley
This is handprinted in oil by Mitch Smiley on a recycled piece of wood from Northern California - the size 17x7.