Philip Glaser

Artist, Brainstormer, Christian, Idea generator, Inventor, Project manager, Public servant, World traveler

Phil never expected that incarceration would give him a second chance for a life worth living and happiness. In 1983, Phil surrendered to the police at his father’s request rather than take his own life. Later his father told him, “Phil, life is not over, it’s just going to be different. Take what you know and have learned and use it to help others.” It was only after being incarcerated that he became an accomplished artist/designer. His painting, Art, In Cell Window Perspective, which received the Best Donated Work award for the Crime Victims Fund and also chosen for the prestigious 1990 Rochester Finger Lakes Exhibition, is one of over 575 watercolors he has done. In addition to this are the numerous murals in acrylics he has completed throughout the Attica Correctional Facility. In 2013, he started the Attica Active Veterans Group’s Kite Artwork Team and its Knitting Squad. He credits Kathy, his wife for the past 25 years, who has a Masters’ Degree in art and theater, for her collaboration in the success of his many art projects. When thinking of the harm he has caused, Phil is grateful to be able to use his artistic talent in prison to lift people's spirits and help raise funds for community causes. Known for being responsible, dependable, and reverent, Phil is 67 years old, the 4th oldest of three brothers and six sisters, and had the best parents a person could ever hope to have. He is an Eagle Scout and received an Honorable discharge after serving seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard and three years in the C.G. Reserve as a 1st Class Petty Officer Damage Controlman.  

living out my promise to my Mom and Dad and growing older with my wife, Kathy; Siberian huskies; Morgan horses; 1957 Chevy and 1945 Willy Jeep; Camping; Hiking; Swimming; Sailing; Canoeing; White water rafting

the value of artwork and hobby crafts for those who are incarcerated

Before being selected to be a member of the TEDxAttica organizing committee, Phil had never heard of TED Talks, but his life experiences and skills have been a valuable asset in planning this event. Phil's Mom and Dad were both artistically inclined and encouraged their children to pursue their interests. As he was growing up, he made model cars, ships, and planes; attended lessons for general arts and ceramics a few summers as a young teen; and had one basic art class in 11th grade. While in the U.S. Coast Guard, Phil painted logos and designed commemorative trip patches when the icebreaker he was stationed on went to Antarctica (1972-3) and twice to Alaska (1973, 1974). His TEDx talk is about how this art and hobby craft ability was only really developed after being arrested. Phil's personal story is reminiscent of Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" where each person's life has meaning no matter who they are or what they have done and how they are significant in touching and affecting others' lives.

trimming and shoeing horses