Community Partners in Action will host their 44th Annual Prison Arts Program Show at Connecticut State Community College Manchester. According to a press release, they are a non-profit agency dedicated to promoting accountability, dignity and restoration for people affected by the criminal justice system. The show is free and open to the public, running from Sept. 26 to Nov. 13.
The annual show, which began in 1978, features artwork from individuals currently or formerly incarcerated in Connecticut. According to the press release, it aims to highlight the value of artistic expression as a tool for hope and connection, both inside and outside the prison system.
“These programs provide us with a creative outlet in our oppressive environment, and allow us to focus our energy in a positive way to create works of art and beauty,” said Stefan Scerba on the label for his artwork in the show.
The exhibit includes diverse works, such as drawings, paintings, sculptures and carpentry projects, many of which are created using unconventional materials like soap, woven paper bags and food packaging.
“While the resulting artwork is often exceptional, the greatest value of the work lies in its ability to engender hope and foster connection between the incarcerated and loved ones and elicit empathy – within and between – the incarcerated, staff and the community,” according to Payton Kinney, an intern at CPA.
The opening reception for the exhibit took place on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hans Weiss New space Gallery, located in the AST Building of the CT State Manchester Community College campus. A closing reception will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 12 to 2 p.m.
At this opening reception, Jeffery Greene, CPA prison arts program manager, and others involved spoke on the show, how it came to be and what it means to them.
“The ability for these artists to live in the outside world through their art, it expands the way that people in the prison think, it expands what is possible,” said Greene, speaking on the impact of this program on prisoners.
The Annual Show serves as an opportunity to dignify the creative efforts made within prisons and provide families with a way to connect with their loved ones. The gallery hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
For more information about the exhibit or Community Partners in Action visit cpa-ct.org.
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