“I met Eric Sturgess in September 2023, and ever since we met, Eric has demonstrated himself to be a man of spiritual principles, integrity, and a heart of gold. Eric is a man who values family, success, and, above all, his faith in God. Although our relationship initially centered on business, we have since grown to be good friends, exchanging messages daily and sharing our daily lives and plans as we navigate life together. Eric has been an immense contributor to my recovery and to my plans for the future. He has been there for me when I needed moral support, and has always provided me with sound advice and suggestions to follow when I face challenges. As a businessman, Eric has consistently demonstrated generosity and has always been true to his word. Making deposits to my family and prison account as planned, and never failing to honor his word. As a family man, Eric loves his beautiful daughters and wife, and always strives to be the best role model for them. Teaching them the ways of our lord, and protecting them from outside harm, and false beliefs. Eric is a hard-working man whose childhood is not so different than the childhood of many of us incarcerated men. He, like us, suffered emotional, psychological, and physical trauma as a child. Nevertheless, he rose above all of that, found the lord, and became a successful individual who lives his life according to the Lord’s teachings. Eric is an example to follow, and I’m glad that God brought him into my life. Today I’m grateful for the Lord’s blessings, and I’m thankful to say that Eric Sturgess came to change my life.”

“When it comes to saying only a couple of words about Eric, I do not feel it would do him justice. To accurately describe what he has done for me and my family would definitely take up a significant part of his book, and that is not my intention. Therefore, I will do my best. I am an artist, incarcerated in prison. One day, I came home to find a text from Eric asking me about my drawing experience and sharing his interest in prison art. As I found out, he had purchased a couple of my drawings already on Etsy through one of my family members. I expressed my appreciation, as I am self-supporting and use the funds that Eric blesses me with for commissary, packages, to pay for my family to rent a car to visit me, and any other privileges I may enjoy. As time passed, Eric demonstrated his interest in not only prison art but also the history of our art. But that wasn’t it; he is also a collector of prison crafts and prison history. What impressed me was that he wants to know the details of whatever he is purchasing. He is not satisfied with one person’s details; he will press on and seek information from numerous people, ensuring that what he puts on paper is the most accurate description of whatever subject he is sharing. This, by far, is the exact picture of the man Eric is. In prison, we say, ‘our word is all we have left.’ Eric’s word has always been good, honorable, and solid. If Eric says something, it is not just a piece of paper we sign; it is his word, as good as an old-fashioned handshake. After many hours of conversation with Eric, I have been able to share my family, life struggles, and future dreams. Eric has listened, offered advice, and, most importantly, he has given me peace, knowing there is someone who cares, someone who does not judge me because of my incarceration, but who gives me worth. Eric and his daughters have put an enormous amount of their precious time into creating books. Finally, Eric has shown me he is an honest man who loves his family, the Lord, and his art, and he is the person that people say, ‘There are still some good people left on earth.’”

“First and foremost, Eric ‘Superman’ Sturgess is a one-of-a-kind individual. I have known Superman for many years, and through the years I have come to build a great friendship with him. I have been incarcerated for over 30 years, and a superman has always treated me with the utmost respect. Mr. Sturgess is a unique and kind individual who has done so much for many of us who are incarcerated. He has helped us with his business by displaying our art that we have created behind these walls. It has been a pleasure getting to know him as a business partner and a friend.”

I am hereby writing this letter in hopes of helping you get to know a little bit more about who Mr. Eric “Superman” Sturgess is. When we were first introduced, it was set up strictly as a business arrangement. He was interested in artwork, specifically “Chicano Style” from prison, which I was able to assist with, as I am serving a life sentence. Since the beginning, he has always been honest and straightforward; never once has he neglected to take care of things from his end, and he has always been fair, which has shown me a great deal about who he is as a person. However, as time went by, we started messaging back and forth, talking about things besides art, such as our lives growing up and our lives now. We’ve also discussed our families, and before you knew it, we became friends. I’ve come to learn that this man could have easily been sitting where I am today, but he decided early in life that he didn’t want this for himself, so he turned it around and became a successful businessman with a loving family.  One thing I would like to point out is that this man has never judged me, but instead has encouraged me to be successful. He is always willing to assist me if need be; in fact, one of the things I will always hold dear is when one of my relatives passed away, he was quick to ask if there was anything he could do to help. That alone speaks volumes as to who he is as a person. In short, he is a man of integrity!

Eric has always been fair, honest, and a blessing. He is always willing to go out of his way and help in any way he can. Eric will always keep it real with you and lead you in the right direction. I’ll continue drawing for him, as he really appreciates art, and drawing keeps me focused on positive stuff. It’s helped me to survive behind these walls and not have to depend on my family financially.

I have been incarcerated for 27 years, and I have been doing time in prison for over 35 years. Eric Sturgess is not only a friend but a brother in Christ; he has been an inspiration and positive influence. I have shared a lot with Mr. Sturgess on a personal basis, and he has likewise. I gained a great respect for Mr.Sturgess long before I knew his whole history, and learning more about him and his past, my respect has grown. Eric has been a loyal friend, sharing his daily life and the outside world with me. He has been a financial source for us, incarcerated men, through his support of his art collection. He has helped many men by purchasing their art and publishing it, bringing attention to the hidden talent behind these walls, which were almost forgotten. Eric made sure we weren’t alone, offering his strong support and inspiration as we showcased our abilities, which he truly appreciates. I thank Eric for his support and inspiration, which he shows us artists to continue our work and give us a name. My respect for Eric lies in his role as a father, husband, and family man, and, even more, in his much-appreciated and highly respected service to our country. He sacrificed his life not only for his loved ones but for us all and his country. It takes a man to perform such duties and service; he’s a man of God and a protector of his family and country. A daily inspiration and example of a man, a positive influence on me and others, a great father to his children, a friend and trusted and respected brother—a blessing to many with his good deeds and service.