Pleasant Valley gets into Star Wars Day

May 8, 2024

May the Fourth, unofficially observed as Star Wars Day, was marked by new murals at Pleasant Valley State Prison.

May the Fourth, an ode to the Star Wars catchphrase “may the force be with you,” was marked by murals and special visiting activities at Pleasant Valley State Prison.

Prison marks May the Fourth with murals, family visitors

Star Wars Day, observed each year on May 4, has caught on thanks to social media and a loyal fan base. Popularized with the release of “Star Wars: A New Hope” in 1977, the phrase was a regular greeting at the time. Ten films, numerous TV shows, and video games have kept it going for nearly 50 years.

In a fun collaboration between incarcerated muralists on Facility A, Visiting Staff and the Inmate Family Council, Pleasant Valley prison visitors were able participate in Star Wars activities based on the popular franchise. With themed photo backdrops, character bingo cards and fortune teller paper origami, everyone was able to pick their favorite side in the movie match up.

Three incarcerated mural artists with Star Wars murals at Pleasant Valley State Prison. — May the Fourth “Star Wars” Day was more fun thanks to artists at Pleasant Valley State Prison.

With just a few days to spare until May 4, the muralists nearly completed the expansive murals on Facility A.

Michael Knight, Marcos Jimenez and Kristofer Williams, three incarcerated artists, painted the murals. The murals featured X-Wing Fighters, TIE fighters, the Death Star and Millennium Falcon. On the other panel, they painted Emperor Palpatine, Boba Fett and Darth Vader, a villain who found redemption. Vader’s story of falling from grace, temptations, and eventual redemption connects with the residents on Facility A, according to organizers.

These generational films provided a shared experience for residents, visitors and staff, fostering an entry point for normalcy.

Submitted by Lt. Jason Martin