15th Annual Exhibition of Art by Michigan Prisoners at Duderstadt Gallery hosted by The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP)

Over the past 15 years, this nationally recognized show has grown to be the largest exhibition of prisoner art in the country. This year’s exhibition will include more than 300 works of art by over 200 artists, shedding light on the talents to be found behind prison walls and encouraging the public to take a second look. Participating artists express gratitude to organizers and gallery visitors alike, stressing the show’s impact on their lives and the community at large.

Despite limited resources, exhibition artists create work in a rich range of styles, mediums, and themes. Visitors return to the show year after year to glimpse art that is remarkable for its originality, beauty, and sheer expressive power. Last year, over 4,000 people came to the exhibit. Organizers expect even higher attendance this year and an exciting array of new work.

This year’s exhibition, curated by Professors Buzz Alexander, Janie Paul, and Jason Wright, exhibits work from over forty prisons throughout the state. The curators, PCAP Administrators Lashaun phoenix Moore, and Sari Adelson, along with various volunteers travel to these prisons to hand select the strongest work from the artists. As a result of this annual event, the amount of art created in Michigan prisons has increased dramatically, and Michigan prison artists have become national leaders, inspiring others to create art behind bars.

On display March 23-April 7, with an opening reception on March 23, from 5:30-8 p.m. Formerly incarcerated artists who have now re-entered into the community will speak about what the show means to those in prison.