This spring, one of the largest and most enduring exhibitions of artists confined in prisons is set to return with innovative programming aimed at promoting connection and enhancing public awareness about incarceration in Michigan.
The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, organized by the University of Michigan Prison Creative Arts Project, will feature 772 pieces of artwork from 538 artists currently imprisoned across 26 state facilities.
For nearly thirty years, this exhibition has served as a stage for artists in prison to present their creations to the public, illuminating personal stories and the significance of artistic expression.
The exhibition includes a variety of artistic styles and mediums, such as paintings, portraits, tattoo art, landscapes, sculptures, fiber art, and repurposed materials. Each autumn, volunteers, including students, choose the artworks and visit every prison in Michigan to engage directly with the artists. An audio tour accompanying the exhibition will share selected narratives from these interactions.
For over 35 years, PCAP has aimed to connect incarcerated individuals with the wider community through collaborative art initiatives, reciprocal education, and personal development. The program has broadened to encompass undergraduate classes, regular art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary magazine, and ongoing events to promote conversation and connectivity.
As per Emily Chase, the exhibition and curation coordinator for PCAP, themes of community and mentorship have notably emerged in this year’s collection.
“While we were selecting the pieces, we were greatly moved by the recurring theme of community that resonated throughout the state,” she remarked. “We observed experienced artists guiding newcomers and recognized how the creative endeavors of one person can encourage and uplift others.”
This sentiment is echoed by Charlisa Wood, an artist showcased in the exhibition. In a recorded dialogue, she elaborated on how her art fosters a connection with her mother.
“It’s as though I’m dispatching a small fragment of myself to her,” she remarked. “My role in society is to assist individuals in grasping the various occurrences within our community, the generational matters, the aspects that inflict pain or those that bring immense joy, and I can convey that through the use of yarn.”
The exhibition provides incarcerated creators the opportunity to express their perspectives beyond the confines of prison walls.
“Their expressions are frequently muted, and this is one of the scarce opportunities where they can truly be acknowledged,” articulated Mattie Levy, community engagement coordinator for PCAP.
This year, the exhibition will unveil a new feature, “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” during which students will present original musical pieces inspired by selected artworks.
“The concert acts as a platform to showcase the exceptional artwork from the talented artists in PCAP while advancing the project’s mission to empower and connect with individuals affected by our justice system via our collective passion for creativity,” noted Ty Bloomfield, an organizer of the event.
The concert is set to commence at 8 p.m. on March 28 at Hankinson Rehearsal Hall, located in the Earl V. Moore Building on U-M’s North Campus.
The exhibition, supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council alongside the U-M Residential College, will take place from March 18 to April 1 at the Duderstadt Gallery on North Campus and will also be accessible in a digital format on the PCAP website. Sales will commence immediately.
Visiting hours for the exhibition will be from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday-Monday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. All showcased pieces will be available for sale, with artists receiving the complete asking price less applicable taxes and fees. To further assist the initiative, PCAP will gather donations during U-M’s annual Giving Blueday on March 19.
Authored by Cydney Heed, Prison Creative Arts Project