BILLINGS, Mont. – The Billings Public Library recently announced the “Compelled to Create” exhibition that is on display on the library’s “First Five Years Wall”.
“Compelled to Create” was first proposed when the Billings Public Library’s Arts Programming team, Courtney Luian and Joseph Lanning, contacted the Yellowstone Art Museum (YAM) with the idea of a collaboration with the Montana Women’s Prison outreach program.
In March 2024, Billings-local artist, John Kennedy, taught a multi-day workshop that introduced participants to the basics of portraiture. Portraits that were created by artists from the program are currently on display at the Library through the end of May.
Since 2013, the YAM and the Montana Women’s Prison have partnered in an art education program that offers bi-monthly classes taught by professional artists that introduce participants to new ways of creating art that emphasize the creation process, problem solving, and creative expression.
YAM Adult Education Coordinator Marilu Metherell, who facilitates the prison partnership said, “The women are very proud to have their work on display. They have all invited family and friends to go see the exhibition and they are excited to share what they have been working on with the public.”
Portraits of Alexander Upshaw, by Kathryn Williams, on exhibit at the Yellowstone Art Museum.
In addition to the exhibition at the library, two pieces by Kathryn Williams, currently incarcerated, are on display at the YAM in conjunction with their exhibit, “In Conversation: Will Wilson“. Williams was inspired by the photography of Wilson and the story of Alexander Upshaw and decided to create two portraits of Upshaw.
YAM says plans are underway currently to make “Compelled to Create” a reoccurring exhibit with new art brought in for exhibit regularly. The Library and the YAM are also in talks about hosting a roundtable event in the fall in the community room at the Library to share the stories of the Montana Women’s Prison outreach program and how it has impacted teachers, artists, and inmates.
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