2025 Call for letters from Connecticut prisons, along with archived letters from the CPA Art Collection
March 13 to May 18, 2025
In 1995, Community in Action Partners Prison Arts Program (CPA) sponsored the first exhibition of letters from Connecticut prisons. In 2005, the Clare Gallery and CPA co-sponsored the Letters from Prison exhibition. This exhibition honored powerful works — letters, along with stunning artwork on the envelopes — created by people living in Connecticut’s correctional facilities. The works were often intricate and thought-provoking. The 2005 exhibition included letters from the 1995 exhibit, as well as newer works.
Letters from Prison: Continuing the Conversation, includes new letters from this year’s call for entries — highlighting “Mystery, Mysticism, and Meaning” —along with curated letters from 1995 and 2005. The combination of letters will continue the conversation of self-examination and self-esteem, once again bringing the talent and creativity of the prison population to the community at large.
Virtual Panel Discussion: Monday, April 28, 7-8:30 p.m. Registration Required
In-person Artist’s Reception: Sunday, May 4, 3-5 p.m. Open to the public
Visit our Current Exhibition for more information on this exhibition.
Publication
“Graceful Partners Art and Spirituality” is available at the Clare Gallery or on Amazon
Clare Gallery’s completed its 20th Anniversary at the end of 2024. We are celebrating this major accomplishment with the publication of Graceful Partners by Nancy E. Wynn.
This book documents the twenty-year history of the Clare Gallery at the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry by sharing essays, exhibition content, and community impact statements. Wynn has managed and been Chair of the Clare Gallery since its inception in 2003. She wrote, edited, designed, and self-published the book. The book is currently available on Amazon. In the fall, there will be a few events at the Gallery. More to come…
Call to Artists
This year, our 22nd season, the Gallery is focused on artists’ work that has environmental and sustainable connections. We are also planning for 2026 and beyond! Artists interested in exhibiting at the Clare Gallery should download the Call to Artists Application, which are reviewed in a timely manner.
Visiting
The public is welcome to visit the Gallery to view the artwork. Parking is free across the street at the Saints lot. Take a ticket for validation (no need to use your credit card). The Gallery is accessible for all. Masks are optional.
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