Prisoners' artwork on display

Hundreds of University students, faculty and Ann Arbor residents browsed the artwork of more than 100 prisoners in the Rackham galleries yesterday.

"I can just look at some of the pieces in this room and feel the anguish and pain that the artist went through. This is truly a moving exhibit," said Ann Arbor resident Page Skelton.

The annual event, which was started three years ago by English Prof. Buzz Alexander, showcases artwork by prison inmates from more than 25 Michigan prisons.

Catherine Scott, the mother of showcasing artist Tracy Neal, said the exhibit has developed her daughter's talents in a way that she didn't think was possible.

"Tracy has hidden talents that I didn't know about," said Scott as she stood in front of a mural created by her daughter. "She didn't even know that she had these talents, either."

SARA STILLMAN/Daily Catherine Scott gazes at artwork created by her daughter Tracy Neil. She is joined by children Anas and Azeezah at the opening of the 3rd Annual Michigan Prisoner Art Show.

Alexander teaches two classes, English 310 and 319, which bring groups of students to prisons across the state to talk with inmates and participate in creative workshops.

Most of these workshops are attended voluntarily by the inmates. Some participants are first-time artists who get their start in the programs, Alexander said.

"We don't go into prisons to instruct them," Alexander said. "We are always very respectful of them and their talents. We believe that the work is always about them and their stories - and not about us."

Since it was first started, the program has skyrocketed in size. This year, prisoners submitted nearly 200 works of art - 70 more than they did last year. The walls of the Rackham gallery displayed 180 of these works yesterday.

Janie Paul, a lecturer in the School of Art and Design who conducts theater workshops in prisons with her Art 454 class, said the workshops benefit both students and prisoners.

"This exhibition is a significant event in the prisoners' lives," Paul said. "The students and program are helping to develop their future.

"Through this program, we are seeing the development of art and the artists involved," she said.

Ypsilanti resident Ester Stevens said she came to see the exhibit because she has a friend whose work is on display this month.

"I'm happy to see this take place," Stevens said. "You can tell the feelings of the artists just by looking at the expressions on the faces in the paintings."

The works will be on display through Feb. 27, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most of the work can be purchased by the public, and all proceeds go to the artists.

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