This exhibition, presented by Kimball Art Center with The Center for Art and Advocacy, shows artwork created by the Center’s founder and a group of artists - all of whom have been directly impacted by the carceral system. The focus is on portraits—artworks that show people. These portraits are made in many different styles and share powerful stories about self, family, and community.

Students will analyse the art pieces in regards to their medium, personal meaning messaging, and storytelling. Please note that our lesson will NOT discuss what caused any of the artists to become incarcerated, nor will it discuss specific crimes or reference illegal activity at ANY time. The lesson will focus solely on the impact creativity had on these individuals and the means in which they have chosen to express themselves and their experiences through art.

The students will then engage in a learning activity that will allow them to think about their own identity in order to express their individuality and share who they see themself becoming in the future.