A Transformative Showcase at the University of Michigan
The 29th Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, hosted by the University of Michigan’s Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP), is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of incarcerated artists. Running from March 18 to April 1, 2025, at the Duderstadt Center Gallery in Ann Arbor, this exhibition features 772 artworks by 538 artists from 26 Michigan prisons. It’s the world’s largest and longest-running show of its kind, offering a platform for voices often silenced.
The Mission of PCAP
Empowering Through Art
Founded in 1990 by Buzz Alexander, PCAP bridges the University of Michigan community with incarcerated individuals through art, fostering mutual learning and growth. The program believes everyone has the capacity to create, using art to humanize, break stereotypes, and spark dialogue about mass incarceration. The annual exhibition is a cornerstone of this mission, amplifying the creative spirit within prison walls.
A Yearlong Commitment
The exhibition is the culmination of a yearlong effort involving U-M students, staff, and volunteers who travel nearly 4,000 miles to visit every Michigan prison. They meet artists, discuss their work, and select pieces, ensuring each artwork tells a unique story. This process, detailed by PCAP director Nora Krinitsky, reflects a deep commitment to connection and creativity.
What to Expect at the 2025 Exhibition
A Diverse Collection
The 2025 exhibition showcases a stunning array of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, fiber arts, and tattoo imagery. Themes range from prison life to whimsical fantasies, with categories like “Self,” “Connection,” and “What If?” highlighting the artists’ diversity. Visitors can expect to see everything from a hand cracking a prison wall to vibrant landscapes painted with coffee grounds.
New Programming Highlights
This year introduces “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert” on March 28, featuring U-M student composers performing pieces inspired by the artworks. A ballet by Kara Roseborough and the launch of the Michigan Review of Prisoner Creative Writing, Volume 16, add fresh dimensions, making the exhibition a multi-sensory experience.
The Power of Art in Incarceration
Resilience Amid Constraints
Incarcerated artists face significant challenges, from limited supplies to restrictive prison rules. Yet, their resourcefulness shines—some use ground-up soap or toothpaste to create pigments. As LSA junior Olivia Glinski noted, “The resourcefulness of people inside leaves me in awe. It changes your understanding of the meaning of art.”
Stories That Transcend Walls
Daniel Teribery’s piece, depicting a hand pressing down on a prison cell where a man tends a yellow flower, captures the emotional depth of the exhibition. His artist statement revealed how art gave him a new beginning. Such works challenge stereotypes, showing incarcerated individuals as artists, not just their past mistakes.
A Personal Connection to the Cause
I first learned about PCAP while visiting Ann Arbor for a friend’s graduation. Wandering into the Duderstadt Gallery, I was struck by a painting of a lone tree against a vibrant sunset, created with makeshift materials. The artist’s statement about finding hope through art brought tears to my eyes—it was a reminder that creativity can thrive in the darkest places. That moment stayed with me, inspiring me to share this story.
The Curation Process
Visiting 26 Prisons
Each fall, PCAP teams visit all 26 Michigan correctional facilities, from maximum-security units to women’s prisons. They meet artists one-on-one, often through glass partitions or chain-link fences, discussing creative processes. This rigorous process, described by curator Emily Chase, ensures the exhibition reflects the artists’ authentic voices.
Selecting the Art
With over 2,000 submissions, curators like U-M student Sophia Layton select around 772 pieces based on creativity, technique, and narrative. “The body of work represents intense dedication,” Layton said, noting themes of salvation and escapism. The process is both logistical and emotional, amplifying voices that might otherwise be overlooked.
Standout Moments from Past Exhibitions
The 28th Annual Exhibition (2024)
The 2024 exhibition featured 750 works by 479 artists, with pieces like “Drowning in Depression” exploring mental health struggles. One artist, a formerly incarcerated participant, described the surreal joy of attending in person, reconnecting with friends and seeing their art on display. The event sold over $18,000 in art, directly benefiting the artists.
Artists’ Voices
Formerly incarcerated artist Bryan Picken’s acrylic painting of a samurai, selected for the 2020 exhibition, emphasized focus and simplicity. “Art gives us a means to show we’re more than our mistakes,” he said. Such statements, available online and in the gallery, deepen visitors’ understanding of the artists’ lives.
Comparing PCAP with Other Prison Art Programs
| Program | Location | Focus | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCAP | Michigan | Visual arts, writing, theater | Annual Exhibition (772 artworks, 2025) |
| Mural Arts Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | Visual arts, community collaboration | The View From Here (bicoastal show) |
| William James Association | California | Visual arts, prisoner journalism | San Quentin art exhibitions |
Pros of PCAP: Largest prison art exhibition globally, extensive curation process, direct artist support.
Cons: Limited to Michigan, high logistical demands.
Pros of Mural Arts: Unique bicoastal collaborations, community focus.
Cons: Smaller scale, restrictive prison policies on materials.
Supporting the Exhibition
Art Auction Fundraiser
The 2024 Art Auction on December 7 at the Michigan Union Courtyard raised funds for the 2025 exhibition. Featuring silent and live auctions, it showcased works by incarcerated artists, U-M faculty, and local creators. Proceeds ensure the exhibition remains free and accessible, with RSVP available at myumi.ch/G4NX7.
Purchasing Art
All 772 artworks in the 2025 exhibition are for sale, with artists setting their prices and receiving full proceeds (minus taxes and fees). Funds help artists buy supplies, food, or personal items, directly impacting their lives. Visitors can browse pieces in person or via the digital exhibition at dcc.carceralstateproject.lsa.umich.edu.
The Broader Impact of PCAP
Fostering Community
PCAP’s Linkage Project supports formerly incarcerated artists through workshops and networking, helping them reintegrate. “Reentry is such a difficult process,” said Nora Krinitsky, highlighting how art builds bridges. The exhibition’s themes of mentorship and community, noted by Emily Chase, show how artists inspire each other even in confinement.
Challenging Stereotypes
By showcasing diverse works—from playful satires to poignant prison scenes—the exhibition dismantles misconceptions about incarcerated individuals. As Krinitsky told The Michigan Daily, “We have stories about whimsy, experimentation, not just suffering.” This diversity invites visitors to see artists as creators, not just prisoners.
Tools and Resources for Engagement
Where to Experience the Exhibition
- In-Person: Duderstadt Center Gallery, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI. Hours: Sunday–Monday, 12–6 pm; Tuesday–Friday, 10 am–7 pm; April 1, until 5 pm.
- Online: View all 772 artworks, listen to the audio tour, and sign the digital guest book at dcc.carceralstateproject.lsa.umich.edu.
- Social Media: Follow @UMichPCAP on X for updates and artist stories.
Best Tools for Art Enthusiasts
- PCAP Website: Explore artist statements, event details, and donation options (lsa.umich.edu/pcap).
- Eventbrite: RSVP for exhibition events or the Art Auction (eventbrite.com).
- Google Arts & Culture: Discover similar prison art initiatives globally.
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
What is the Prison Creative Arts Project?
PCAP, founded in 1990 at the University of Michigan, fosters artistic collaboration between incarcerated individuals and the U-M community through workshops, exhibitions, and publications. Its 29th Annual Exhibition showcases 772 artworks by 538 incarcerated artists.
When is the 2025 PCAP exhibition?
The 29th Annual Exhibition runs from March 18 to April 1, 2025, at the Duderstadt Center Gallery in Ann Arbor, with hours varying by day. Check lsa.umich.edu/pcap for details.
Can I buy art from the exhibition?
Yes, all artworks are for sale, with proceeds going directly to the artists. Prices are set by the artists, and purchases can be made in person or online via the digital exhibition.
How does PCAP support incarcerated artists?
PCAP facilitates workshops, curates the annual exhibition, and publishes the Michigan Review of Prisoner Creative Writing. The Linkage Project supports formerly incarcerated artists with reentry programs.
Where can I learn more about prison art programs?
Visit lsa.umich.edu/pcap for PCAP’s work, or explore similar programs like Mural Arts Philadelphia (muralarts.org) and the William James Association.
FAQ Section
Q: What types of art are featured in the 2025 exhibition?
A: The exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, fiber arts, tattoo imagery, and more, with themes like prison life, self-expression, and imaginative landscapes, created by 538 artists.
Q: How much does it cost to attend the exhibition?
A: Admission is free, with optional donations encouraged during U-M’s Giving Blueday on March 19, 2025. RSVP for events like the Art Auction via myumi.ch/G4NX7.
Q: How are the artworks selected?
A: PCAP teams visit 26 Michigan prisons each fall, meeting artists and selecting pieces based on creativity and narrative. The 2025 exhibition features 772 works from over 2,000 submissions.
Q: Can I view the exhibition online?
A: Yes, the digital exhibition at dcc.carceralstateproject.lsa.umich.edu includes all artworks, an audio tour, and a guest book for artist responses.
Q: How can I support PCAP’s mission?
A: Attend the exhibition, purchase art, donate via lsa.umich.edu/pcap, or volunteer for workshops and curation. Follow @UMichPCAP on X to stay engaged.
Why the 29th Annual Exhibition Matters
The 29th Annual Exhibition is more than an art show—it’s a lifeline for incarcerated artists and a call to rethink mass incarceration. From a flower breaking through concrete to a samurai painted in solitude, these works remind us of the humanity behind prison walls. Whether you visit the gallery or browse online, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for art’s power to heal, connect, and inspire. Don’t miss this chance to witness creativity that defies confinement.
