Developed by Rev. Justin Reddick, Art the Hard Way is a creative program designed for use in correctional facilities of all security levels. Reddick created the program, driven by his unique experience as both a professional artist and a prison chaplain, and his clear understanding of the profound need for creativity within prisons.

This foundational vision directly informs how Art the Hard Way empowers individuals to reflect on their past, plan for their future, and prepare for successful reintegration into society. For those remaining within correctional facilities, it offers a comprehensive path to develop new skills and explore artistic talents. This unique approach stands as a highly effective alternative to traditional programs found in most correctional settings.

Reddick is the founder of the Creative Arts Platform (CAP), a program he helped launch at a federal prison in 2016. CAP provided inmates with art education, therapeutic projects, and career training. The program ran from 2016 to 2025 and, while it is no longer running, it garnered local, regional, and national support for its successful approach to rehabilitation during its operation.