The Prison Creative Arts Project
You may have friends around campus who are involved in “PCAP.” And seems that people who are rave about it. My sophomore year roommate took the course and now subsequently works for the on-campus organization. The experience nearly changed her entire course of study from medicine to social work. Last spring, I attended her final project exhibition. It took place at a prison in Jackson, Michigan where she and a partner had been working for the entire semester to create a play.. I will never forget walking in the courtyard of the jail to a small class room near the cafeteria where a group of incarcerated, middle aged men perform a play they had spent four months writing. These men had very clearly grown to admire and value my 5’2” roommate as a mentor and guide. The experience was, needless to say, incredibly formative and powerful.
PCAP is offered at UofM as both a course through the Department of English Language and Literature and by the School of Art and Design. The course, led by professor and curator Buzz Alexander, trains students to facilitate workshops in the arts in state prisons, juvenile facilities, or Detroit high schools. Mediums include creative writing, theater, dance, mural, music, photography, quilt making, and video. His wife, Janie Paul, teaches a corollary course through the Art school which is geared specifically toward instructing in the visual arts. Since is genesis in 1990, PCAP has facilitated hundreds of workshops and has garnered huge success in its mission.
“Our process is respect and a spirit of collaboration in which vulnerability, risk, and improvisation lead to discovery.”
“We make possible spaces in which the voices and visions of the incarcerated can be expressed.”
“We believe that everyone has the capacity to create art”
“Art is necessary for individual and societal growth, connection, and survival”
“Art should be accessible to all”
Most of the incarcerated participants in the workshops have never explored the arts provided. This, to me, is unbelievable, because hen you see the work it appears to be profoundly professional. There is a quality of depth and emotion in these pieces that communicates a potent sense of experience. Two years in a row, this exhibit has been one in which I truly lose myself in the gallery, absolutely entangled in the grit of the celebrated creations. To read bios of some of these artists, or artists from previous years, as well as see and read samples of their work, check out the PCAP website and click on “Gallery.” There, you will also find more information the current exhibit as well as related programs that you can be involved in.
There are several important events happening on campus this week as a part of the culmination of another year of the organization’s hard work. These presentations are incredibly powerful, so don’t miss them! And if you don’t make it in time, at least take a stroll through the gallery in the Dude. The artwork is truly impressive (it is also for sale!) and will surely move you deeply as a witness.
The 17th Annual Exhibition of Art by Michigan Prisoners
March 20-April 4, 2012
U-M Duderstadt Center Gallery
Gallery Hours: Sunday-Monday 12pm-6p, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-7pm
Closing Reception to be held at 5:30 pm on April 4th, 2012
The Michigan Review of Prison Creative Writing: Book Reading and Release Celebration
Friday, March 23rd 2012
7-9 pm
Pendleton Room of The Michigan League
The Michigan Review of Prisoner Creative Writing, Vol. 4: On the Corner of Nihilism and Hope
“Join us as we enjoy selections of the beautiful and unabashed poetry, prose, and fiction of Michigan’s best incarcerated writers. We come together to celebrate and honor the talent and vision of these hidden voices. Friends, family members, and advocates will be reading on behalf of their incarcerated loved ones.”
Youth Speak
Saturday, March 24th, 2012
1-3 pm
Wolverine Room in The Michigan Union
“Please join us as a group of Detroit youth come together to discuss serious issues of urban living. It will be a facilitated dialogue with these bright young leaders about the challenges they face, and then an open discussion with all in attendance about these same challenges.”
Artists Panel
Sunday, march 25th, 2012
3-5 pm
Duderstadt Center Gallery
“Join us as a panel of formerly incarcerated artists discuss the works in this year’s show and the process of creating art behind bars. The event is moderated by U-M School of Art and Design Professor Janie Paul.”
Below are some snapshots from this year’s exhibit
