There are people in carceral spaces across the United States who yearn to see beyond the concrete and steel that confines them. While some look to writing and music, others find ways to create visual art to express themselves and their dreams, and connect to the world outside. With art programs unavailable in most jails and prisons, and art supplies available for purchase dependent on institutional regulations, the people who are disappeared into carceral spaces find ways to improvise the materials they need. Whether it is repurposing old bed sheets for canvas or using beet juice and Kool-Aid for pigment, these artists find ways to bring the images from their minds to reality.

Join Escaping Time in Nolan Park on Governors Island Saturday October 17th at 2:00pm for our prison art workshop, where you will learn about the ways in which paintings, sculptures, and collages are created with improvised materials. You’ll see examples of the artwork created by the artists we work with, followed by an opportunity to challenge yourself in creating your own artwork with the improvised supplies that we provide. Click on the Eventbrite link here to reserve your spot at this free event!