Jerry Bergman

I grew up on a farm in Napavine, outside of Chehalis. We raised draft horses. Since I was little, been fixing horse tack. Once I came to prison, got into the hobby shop, started trying new things in leather. I have been in the leather shop for 8 years now, been in prison for 14, got 7 more years to go.

I make a lot of toys for toytime, a program we have here. Trying to be a better person, trying to give back, trying to do the right thing in life. Prison is a lonely place out of sight out of mind, that’s how it feels.

This art show was the first time in 14 years I have got to talk to other people other than mom and dad. First time others got to see my work other than family members.

Jerry’s work