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Every year, PCAP presents an exhibition featuring paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more from incarcerated artists across Michigan prisons. This exhibit is the world's largest display of its kind, and it is a testament to the resilience of artists and the life-giving power of art under the most difficult of circumstances. It is an important reminder of the connections that sustain us all, both in the free world and behind the walls.
The 29th Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons showcases the life-affirming creative work of artists from 26 Michigan prisons. Hundreds of original, handmade works by incarcerated artists in Michigan will be displayed in the Duderstadt Center Gallery from March 18th through April 1st, 2025. A variety of visual arts media will be featured, including paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts, and more.
The Annual Exhibition is the largest and longest-running art show of its kind in the world. The artwork featured in the exhibit is a testament to the resilience of artists and the life-giving power of art under the most difficult of circumstances – incarceration, isolation, and unimaginable loss. It is an important reminder of the connections that sustain us all, both in the free world and behind the walls.
We invite you to enjoy these unparalleled works of art and, if you like, make a purchase. All proceeds, minus necessary taxes and fees, go directly to the artists. Original pieces are available at a wide variety of price points for all budgets.
The artwork is located in the Duderstadt Center Gallery the opening program and reception will take place in the Chrysler Center Lobby and Chesebrough Auditorium.
Free accessible shuttle service available on opening night 4:30 - 8:45 PM, running every half-hour.
Following opening night, the gallery hours will be:
Sunday–Monday: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
On April 1st, the gallery is open until 5:00 PM. Art pick-up also begins at 5:00 PM.
There will also be events and initiatives to celebrate and encourage engagement with the over 600 pieces displayed at the exhibition.
Painting the Scene Inside Artist Talk
Sunday, March 23rd 2025, 1:30-2:30 PM, Chesebrough Auditorium
As part of this year's exhibition, enjoy a panel discussion led by artists from previous Prison Creative Arts Project exhibitions as they share their stories and answer questions about their artistic practice and experience.
Literature Review Reading My Lines Lay Before Me
Sunday, March 23rd 2025, 3:00-4:30 PM, Chesebrough Auditorium
Join us for a reading of selections from the 17th edition of the Michigan Review of Prisoner Creative Writing titled "My Lines Lay Before Me." These will be read by family and friends of contributing authors. PCAP’s Michigan Review of Prisoner Creative Writing seeks to showcase the talent and diversity of writers incarcerated in Michigan. Books will also be available for purchase at this wonderful event.
Art and Music a Collaborative Concert
Friday, March 28th 2025, 8 PM Hankinson Rehearsal Hall
In this new exhibition event, enjoy a concert featuring music by University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance student composers. These pieces will be performed by the contemporary music collective FLYDLPHN and will be inspired by artwork featured at the exhibition.
PCAP Partner Event: La Vie En Rose
March 29th 2025, 7 PM and March 30th, 3pm Riverside Arts Center
Enjoy a new ballet created by University of Michigan Creative Careers Resident- Kara Roseborough. Visit the PCAP table at the event to take a look at artwork in the PCAP collection and learn more about the Annual Exhibition and PCAP’s mission.
PCAP Partner Event: The Carceral State Project 2025 Symposium
Saturday, March 29th, 2025 10:00am-6:30 pm UM Trotter Multicultural Center
Join us for a day-long symposium on the evolving landscape of criminal-legal reform in Michigan. Attendees can expect to learn about the historical context and current struggles against harsh criminalization, surveillance, and incarceration in Michigan. All are invited to attend a Closing Reception with refreshments and viewing of the PCAP Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons at the Duderstadt Center Gallery. Transportation to/from the gallery will be provided. Register here.
