Designs by Beth Joos

"The Exonerated" is the true story of six persons, exonerated through DNA evidence or recanted testimony, after spending years of their lives on death row.  Despite their experiences, all managed to reclaim their lives and joy.  Their costumes are varying shades of black, white and gray, and are testament to their strength. Each character is differentiated by garment design, color intensity or fabric pattern.   Delbert, the poet/philosopher, wears a black and white dashiki and sandals.  He is at peace with his existence.  David, a would be preacher, wears a dove gray suit that fits his gentle demeanor.  Sunny, in a lacy, white knee length jacket and silver jewelry, is just as her name suggests.  Kerry, incarcerated at 18, wears the clothes of his youth in the 70s.  After twenty-two years in prison, he is still in an open collared dress shirt, a medallion on a chain, an ID bracelet and a pinky ring.  Robert, at one time a groom at a race track, wears neat jeans and a tweed Eisenhower jacket. Finally, Gary, an organic farmer, is in his comfort zone in loose gray jeans, a plaid flannel shirt over a Henley and work boots.   Supporting characters fit the color palette as well and are clothed in designs befitting their relationships to the exonerated. 

Kristy Rucker, Photographer