I am a Voice: PCAP Linkage Project Exhibition


Apr
20
2012

Add to Cal
  • Host Department: Prison Creative Arts Project
  • Date: 04/20/2012 - 05/05/2012
  • Time: 7:00PM

  • Location: Ridge Point Community Church, 340 104th Avenue, Holland, MI 49423

    • IAmAVoice495
  • Description: The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP), Ridge Point Church, Holland Area Arts Council, and 70X7 Life Recovery present I am a Voice, an exhibition of art and writing by men and women returning from incarceration. The show runs April 20–May 5 at Ridge Point Church, 340 104th Avenue, Holland, MI 49423. An opening reception featuring artists in the show will be held 6–8pm on Friday, April 20. Gallery hours are 12–5pm Tuesday and Wednesday, 12–8pm Thursday–Saturday.
    Over 45,000 Michigan residents are in prison. Ninety-five percent of them will eventually return home. This exhibit, featuring the art and writing of returning citizens in the PCAP Linkage Project, encourages the public to think about what is possible after incarceration. Artwork and writing anthologies will be offered for sale during the opening reception and a closing event on May 5. Gallery visitors will vote for their favorite pieces. The winning artist will receive an entry to ArtPrize 2012, where his or her work will be displayed in the windows of the Grand Rapids Parole Office. The PCAP Linkage Project affirms the creativity of adults and youth returning from incarceration. Linkage Project artists, writers, and performers connect with arts and cultural institutions in their communities, display or perform their work publicly, and participate in professional and artistic development. This year’s exhibition title comes from Cynthia Casey, an artist in the program. “Art,” Cynthia says, “changes the mind of those who are hardened. I’m glad PCAP Linkage Project came to be because I’m a voice now.” About the sponsors: The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) at the University of Michigan collaborates with incarcerated adults, incarcerated youth, urban youth and the formerly incarcerated to strengthen our community through creative expression. The PCAP Linkage Project is made possible through the generous support of The Kresge Foundation. Ridge Point Church a non-denominational church located in Holland Michigan, is actively involved in addressing issues of care, concern and justice for the cause of Jesus Christ. Ridge Point partners with 70x7 Life Recovery to provide mentors who work alongside of returning citizens, helping them successfully integrate in the work place, with their families and communities of faith. The Holland Area Arts Council is a non-profit center based in downtown Holland and serves the wider West Michigan area. We are a center for individuals or groups who are looking for a way to tap in to their creative power and express them artistically. Our educational programming consists of year round adult and youth classes. With nearly 3,500 sq ft of gallery space, our exhibits showcase a range of talent from local students to internationally acclaimed artists. 70X7 Life Recovery is a faith based, non-profit that provides supportive services to men and women in Ottawa County who are re-entering their communities from prison or jail. Programs focus on addiction recovery, employment challenges, life skills coaching, family relationships and mentoring.