2025 Call for letters from Connecticut prisons, along with archived letters from the CPA Art Collection
March 13 to May 18, 2025
Virtual Panel Discussion: Monday, April 28, 7-8:30 p.m.
In-person Artist’s Reception: Sunday, May 4, 3-5 p.m.
In 1995, Community in Action Partners Prison Arts Program (CPA) sponsored its 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, included 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 continued the conversation of self-examination and self-esteem, once again bringing the talent and creativity of the prison population to the community at large.
The Virtual Panel discussion included Jeffrey Greene, CPA Prison Arts Program Manager and Danny Killion. Green shared insight into his 34+ years working with Prison Arts in various capacities. Panelist and alumni artist, Danny Killion, shared his creative journey — from prison to owner and operator of Weather Wood, a Troy, NY furniture and art store that has specialized in reclaimed wood pieces since 2013. The discussion was moderated by Nancy Wynn, Chair of the Clare Gallery.
Community in Action Partners is one of the nation’s oldest criminal justice organizations, formerly known as the Connecticut Prison Association, and provides restorative justice services to young people and adults, so they can reenter the community and thrive. They deliver impactful services that unite people, programs and partnerships to empower individuals to change their lives for the better, make communities safer and stronger, and enhance the quality of life across Connecticut. Prison Arts was established in 1978 and is the longest running program of its kind in the U.S. Prison Arts advocates for art, artists, and art-making in CT prisons. It organizes workshops, projects, and correspondence programming, as well as providing exhibition and publication opportunities. Moreover, it collaborates with prison staff, state agencies, schools, volunteers, professional and program alumni artists, and religious/community organizations. More information can be found at cpa-ct.org.
CPA Prison Arts artists are challenged to engage with their own creative journeys. Critiques, conversation, and critical thought all demand their attention. The program has had a positive impact on the lives of both the incarcerated and the people they touch with their artwork: families, the general population, and targeted audiences. The goal is to encourage a greater understanding of the incarcerated to build more empathy and love in the world. Visit Prison Arts for more information.
