Eastern hosting Prison Arts Program annual exhibition

Eastern Connecticut State University will host a major showcase of prison artworks from Dec. 8 through Feb. 28, 2026, in the Art Gallery of the Fine Arts Instructional Center. Organized by Community Partners in Action (CPA), the exhibition marks the 45th annual show of CPA’s Prison Arts Program and features 604 artworks by 162 artists from nine Connecticut correctional facilities. 

The exhibition and related events are free and open to the public. 

Exhibition Receptions 

Two public receptions will be held in the gallery: 

• Feb. 5, 4–7 p.m. 

• Feb. 28, 2–4 p.m. 

Each reception will include brief remarks by Prison Arts Program staff and alumni, including artists who have been released for decades as well as those more recently returned to the community, according to Jeffrey Greene, manager of the Prison Arts Program. 

About the Artwork 

Open to incarcerated individuals across Connecticut, the annual exhibition features a wide range of drawings, paintings, sculptures, and carpentry projects. The show includes new work from both accomplished artists and first-time exhibitors. 

Greene noted that “some of the featured artists will never leave prison, while others will be back home in the community before the conclusion of this show.” 

He added that the exhibition showcases an extraordinary diversity of materials and methods: “You will see simple artworks drawn with a #2 pencil on the back of prison request forms; meticulous ballpoint pen and colored-pencil drawings that took months to complete; carpentry projects made for loved ones; and sculptures made with bread, cotton swabs, Styrofoam food trays, toilet paper and cardboard rolls, thread from bed sheets, floor wax, toothpaste, dental floss, yarn, food packaging, magazine clippings, toothbrushes, and wiring from small electronics.” 

According to CPA, the mission of the Prison Arts Program’s Annual Show is to highlight the constructive daily endeavors occurring inside correctional facilities, strengthen family connections, and foster understanding between incarcerated individuals and the broader community. 

Through the Prison Arts Program, Greene writes, “The prison becomes more hopeful, constructive, productive, empathetic, and substantial through our work — so much better suited for the reckoning, atonement, discovery, healing, and growth intended. That is what is behind this show … you are standing at the edge of a window, getting a look into this endeavor of ours.” 

Disclaimer 

This exhibition does not represent the views of the Connecticut Department of Correction, the State of Connecticut, or Eastern Connecticut State University. The views and opinions expressed are those of the artists. 

Location 

• Art Gallery, Fine Arts Instructional Center 
  Eastern Connecticut State University 
  306 High Street 
  Willimantic, CT 06226 

Gallery Hours 

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 12–4 p.m. 

• Tuesday, Thursday: 12–7 p.m. 

• Saturday: 12–4 p.m. 

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Founded in 1875, Community Partners in Action is one of the nation’s oldest criminal justice organizations—originally known as the Connecticut Prison Association. CPA provides restorative justice services to youth and adults to support successful reentry and strengthen communities. The organization delivers programs that empower individuals to change their lives, make communities safer, and improve quality of life across Connecticut. CPA is currently celebrating 150 years of service. Learn more at www.cpa-ct.org. 

Initiated in 1978, the Prison Arts Program is CPA’s longest-running initiative and one of the oldest programs of its kind in the United States. Working inside Connecticut prisons, the program promotes positive, constructive change for incarcerated individuals by supporting unique and evolving artistic pursuits.