Prison Arts Program Comes to Eastern's Art Gallery

Fernando Jeronimo | Advertising Manager

The Art Gallery located in Eastern’s Fine Arts Center hosted its 43rd Annual show called the Community Partners in Action Prison Arts Program this past Spring. On view are over 350 works produced by 100 students of this program both currently incarcerated and recently released individuals in Connecticut. This exhibit was displayed from March 20th to April 22nd and opened Mondays, Wednesdays, and

Fridays from 12-4pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-7pm. If you couldn’t make it during the week, they were open on Saturdays from 11am-4pm. The features in the gallery included drawings, paintings, sculptures, and carpentry projects. This annual show was a diverse, inclusive exhibition, featuring new artwork from accomplished artists working in Prison Arts collective and workshops as well as artists exhibiting for the first time. Beyond traditional art supplies, many artworks are made using unique materials like an acrylic piece called the Church of Angels made by James D.E. Scott. This unique piece was found on the poster of this event as well as the center of attention when you first entered the gallery. The program allowed the chance to dignify the constructive endeavors undertaken daily in prison. It provides families a chance to connect and celebrate their loved ones, and create connections between the prison and the outside community. Be sure to check out next year's annual show in the Art Gallery located in the Fine Arts Instructional Center. A powerful community event you never want to miss! I found it very powerful and was able to take in many of the art pieces. My favorite as mentioned above was the masterpiece that was made from soaps and acrylics called the Church of Angels. This was my first art gallery I went to at Eastern and it was a tremendous experience. I look forward to the annual shows that will be happening again next year.