Our Story
Transforming lives through art, one auction at a time.Founded by Broderick Smith
Our Story
A story born inside the walls of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice — and built to outlast them.
During our founder Broderick Smith's incarceration in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, he encountered many inmates who had limited or no support. Most of them looked to the illegal prison drug trade as a means to provide themselves food, hygiene, and other necessities.
Upon further inspection, he noticed most of those same individuals were very talented artistically — drawing beautiful artworks, but only as a hobby. He asked a few of them why they didn't sell their art instead of drugs. They all gave him variations of the same three answers:
- 1.They had no one outside to send their art to.
- 2.They thought it was too complicated for them and their supporters to sell the art.
- 3.They couldn't trust their outside supporters with the proceeds from their art sales.
Even though those answers were valid, Broderick realized they were only half of the problem. He glanced around the day room one day and saw inmates sitting around gambling, arguing, or high off drugs. None of them seemed to be bettering themselves. None of them seemed to have a plan for their time incarcerated.
Broderick was struck — but the reason was apparent. Too many prisoners feel like they're doing useless or "dead" time and begin to see their incarceration as a sort of pause in their lives. That couldn't be further from the truth. And so, The Art of Reform® was created.
Once prisoners found out there was a way for them to provide for themselves legally and peacefully, they were ecstatic. They boasted about how much better it felt compared to selling drugs. One inmate told Broderick how he made sure to stay out of trouble so he could remain able to buy art supplies. Others thanked him earnestly after making commissary for the first time in months — even years.
The joy in their faces is why our company came to be. And as long as there's at least one inmate out there with no direction, no hope, or no support — The Art of Reform® will be here to make a change.
— Broderick Smith, FounderOur Core Values
Dignity
We treat every artist and artwork with respect and professionalism.
Transparency
Clear auction mechanics and honest representation of each piece.
Community
Building connections between artists, collectors, and supporters.
Impact
Measuring success by the lives transformed and communities strengthened.
Our Impact
150+
Artworks Sold
45
Artists Supported
$85K+
Raised for Programs