Ann Arbor Times

One of the world's largest exhibitions of incarcerated artists has returned with new programming to enhance public understanding of incarceration in Michigan. The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, curated by the University of Michigan Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP), features 772 artworks by 538 artists from 26 state prisons. It runs through April 1 at the Duderstadt Center Gallery on U-M’s North Campus.

For nearly thirty years, this exhibition has allowed incarcerated artists to share their work and personal stories with the public. The exhibition includes a variety of styles and media such as paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts, and found materials. Each fall, volunteers including students select pieces and visit every prison in Michigan to engage directly with the artists. An audio tour accompanying the exhibition will highlight select stories from these visits.

PCAP has been working for over 35 years to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community through artistic collaboration and mutual learning. The program includes undergraduate courses, weekly art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary review, and year-round events aimed at fostering dialogue.

Emily Chase, PCAP’s exhibition and curatorial coordinator, noted that themes of community and mentorship are prominent in this year's collection. "During our selection trips, we were inspired by the common theme of community that emerged across the state," she said. "We witnessed experienced artists mentoring newcomers."

Artist Charlisa Wood discussed how her work helps her feel connected to her mother: “It’s almost like sending her a little piece of myself,” she said.

Mattie Levy, PCAP community engagement coordinator, emphasized that this exhibition allows incarcerated artists to have their voices heard beyond prison walls: “Their voices are so often silenced.”

A new event this year is “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” where students will perform original compositions inspired by select artworks. Ty Bloomfield, one of the event's organizers, stated that it aims to promote both artwork by PCAP artists and empower those impacted by the justice system through creativity.

The concert takes place at 8 p.m. on March 28 at Hankinson Rehearsal Hall in the Earl V. Moore Building on U-M’s North Campus.

The exhibition is supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and U-M Residential College. It will run from March 18 to April 1 at Duderstadt Gallery on North Campus and is available digitally on PCAP’s website. Sales begin immediately with all displayed works available for purchase; artists receive full price minus taxes and fees. To support PCAP further, donations will be collected during U-M’s annual Giving Blueday on March 19.