Annual art exhibit by incarcerated community raises $18K for scholarship
Visitors discuss artworks displayed at the "{Ink}arcerated: Creativity within Confinement" art show May 16 at the Arizona Center. A crowd estimated at 600 viewed approximately 400 pieces by 200 artists, all of whom are incarcerated in Arizona. Proceeds of more than $18,000 will support a scholarship benefiting people who formerly or currently live and work in Arizona’s correctional system and their families. Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU
An annual exhibition of art created by people who are incarcerated in Arizona sold 200 pieces on May 16, raising more than $18,000 for a yearly Arizona State University scholarship.
This year’s show featured more than 400 artworks, said criminology and criminal justice Associate Professor Kevin Wright. A tradition since 2017, with a few years’ hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the show has raised an all-time total of more than $70,000, he said.
This year's amount is the largest raised from one show in the history of the "{Ink}arcerated: Creativity within Confinement" art show, said Wright, who is also the director of ASU’s Center for Correctional Solutions, part of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
The ASU Center for Correctional Solutions Scholarship was launched in 2024. It supports higher education for people who formerly or currently live and work in Arizona’s correctional system and their families.
Dozens of people lined up outside what had been a vacant retail space at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix, waiting for the doors to open at 6 p.m. for the four-hour show. The check-in line continued to snake out the front door for more than half an hour.
“The show was a huge success. We had at least 600 people come through,” said Wright, who added that he and his staff are still tallying the proceeds toward a final total.
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry has supported the show since it launched eight years ago with only about 75 pieces on display. Since then, more artists, many who have contributed multiple pieces, have participated.
The exhibition will culminate with another public event June 6 in conjunction with First Fridays, downtown Phoenix’s monthly celebration of art and culture in a variety of venues. Remaining artworks will be available for sale then, Wright said. The Arizona Center is at 455 N. Third St.
The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is part of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
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An artist's own version of Leonardo Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" appears to be gazing past visitors viewing artworks at the "{Ink}arcerated: Creativity within Confinement" art show on May 16 at the Arizona Center.
Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU
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Criminology and criminal justice Associate Professor Kevin Wright (right) talks with visitors at the show. Wright said he and his staff are still tallying the proceeds toward a final total, but as of now, the more than $18,000 raised is the single largest raised from one show since it started in 2017.
Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU
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Artist Jason Lacewell adds color to a painting he was creating during the "{Ink}arcerated: Creativity within Confinement" art show on May 16 at the Arizona Center.
Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU
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A long line of visitors forms at the entrance to the gallery at the Arizona Center. The four-hour show drew about 600 visitors.
Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU
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A painting appears to be looking back while two visitors view artworks at the "{Ink}arcerated: Creativity within Confinement" art show on May 16 at the Arizona Center.
Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU
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Visitors discuss one of approximately 400 artworks at the show. Two hundred pieces sold May 16, and a second showing will take place June 6 to coincide with downtown Phoenix's First Fridays art walk.
Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU
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Sculptures are displayed on a stand at the "{Ink}arcerated: Creativity within Confinement" art show on May 16 at the Arizona Center.
Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU
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Red dots on the name placards mark the artworks that had already sold as a visitor takes in the colorful pieces May 16 at the Arizona Center.
Photo by Mark J. Scarp/ASU
Changing Futures campaign
This investment is part of ASU’s Changing Futures campaign.
ASU is committed to providing inclusive educational access and innovative solutions to the complexities of modern life. Fueled by philanthropic investment and unique partnerships, the university’s Changing Futures campaign is committed to raising resources to have a direct and significant impact on the communities we serve.
The campaign focuses on six key areas: enhancing education access, developing leaders, promoting sustainability, strengthening communities, advancing health and developing impactful technology.
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