Prison Ministry: Art

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Local churches and other venues host art shows featuring artwork primarily from the women of Perryville prison. Though the artists can’t be physically present for the opening of the exhibit, guest speakers are available to “introduce” these artists based on their own experience working with them at the prison. The artwork may be acquired for a suggested donation. Donations from these shows help the artists support their families, provide funds for their release, and assist others in need. Bridges Reentry curates the exhibitions. Churches interested in hosting an art show should contact Tisha Weir.

Confined to a Canvas Documentary Film

Check out the 2023 documentary ‘Confined to a Canvas’ that features two of the Straight from the Heart art shows and interviews with former curator, Deacon Kim Crecca.

Looking for a Special Gift? 

Original artwork from artists who are or have been incarcerated as well as notecards featuring their art are now available for purchase online! If you are interested in our current original artwork, notecards, t-shirts, or would like to support these artists with a donation to Prison Ministry, you can find something for just about everyone in our NEW Online Store.

Current Art Exhibits

Art Exhibit Schedule 2024-2025

Hosting an Art Exhibit

Art Notecards

These notecards make great gifts and conversation starters. Stock up now! For more information about the artists and the artwork represented on these notecards, please click HERE. If you would like to order one or more sets of these beautiful black & white notecards, simply click on the “Shop Online Now” button. For questions, please contact prisonministry@azdiocese.org. Shipping & handling fees will apply for items that are mailed.

T-Shirts

We are now offering t-shirts featuring artwork created by one of the artists currently in Perryville Women’s Prison. Julie Mazzola’s piece entitled “Breaking Free!” represents the longing for those who are incarcerated to be back with their families and loved ones in the free world again. It’s a striking piece of artwork and provides opportunities to have conversations about changing our “tough on crime” policy to one that is “smart on crime.”

Simply click on the “Shop Online Now” button or the image of the sample t-shirt and you’ll be taken to our online store to complete your purchase. Shipping and handling fees will apply for items that are mailed. Please contact prisonministry@azdiocese.org for details or questions.

Art Gallery

Welcome to this virtual art gallery featuring pieces of art from the “Straight from the Heart” art exhibition. Each of these pieces was created by an artist who is or was incarcerated. Simply click on the “Shop Online Now” button or the image of the artwork you wish to purchase and you’ll be taken to our online store to complete your purchase. Shipping and handling fees will apply for items that are mailed. Please contact Tisha Weir at artshows.straightfromtheheart@gmail.com for details or questions.

Check back frequently as the artwork on the virtual display will change throughout the year. This gallery represents some of our current artists.

#732 Strong Warrior by Karen Moore This warrior embodies the spirit of strength, conviction and purpose. Qualities that are sadly lacking in today’s world. Suggested Donation: $225 9×12 – Pencil Sketch

#737 Defiance by Sarah Ware Steve McCurry’s photo of 12 year old, Sharbat Gula, who was an Afghan refugee in Pakistan during the Soviet-Afghan war appeared on the June 1985 cover of National Geographic. Her piercing green- eyed stare became a symbol of defiance and a personal inspiration to me. Suggested Donation: $75 12×16 – Acrylic

#740 Battle Stripes by Sarah Ware Battles among animals of the same species rarely end in intentional death. Knowing when to back off is key to survival. If their wounds heal, they may live to fight and win another day. Too bad humans can’t seem to learn this basic lesson. Suggested Donation: $75 12×16 Acrylic

#634 We Fade to Gray by Maryanne Chisholm In prison, we are stripped of our outward individuality, but our essence and soul remain vibrant…like scarlet flowers from within. Suggested Donation: $420 16×20 – Acrylic

#672 Concealed by Maryanne Chisholm 2 Panels Suggested Donation: $250 9×12 (2) – Watercolor & gouache with ink accents

#601 Smoke & Mirrors by Summer Sizelove I wanted to create a piece that would appeal to anyone who has ever struggled with something like addiction, issues of self worth, depression, and suicide. This painting changes depending on what the viewer is currently going through. Is it water and waves, storm clouds and rain, smoke and ash? The point is that there is beauty even in the mess or muck of the unknown. “Smoke & Mirrors” can trick you or encourage you to dive deep within. The choice is yours. Suggested Donation: $250 34×22 – Acrylic

#684 Prayer Energy by Virginia Venegas This is my prayer: that my hands, creating from a beautiful place within, will send God’s loving energy out into the world. Suggested Donation: $90 9×12 – Watercolor

#138 Fading in Pieces by Sarah Ware This painting is an expression of what it’s like to be in prison. This place slowly eats away what was once beautiful in our lives. Piece by piece our families, friends, sense of self- worth, and even hope fade away. Suggested Donation: $300 22×17 – Acrylic

Passage of Earthly Time by Debra Mounla

Media Coverage

2/12/2023 Green Valley News – Letter to the Editor

2/1/2023 – Green Valley News – From Prisoner to Painter

1/6/2022 – NPR – From Painting in Prison to Professional Artist

12/18/2019 – Tucson’s CoffeeXChange showing Art by women in AZ Prison

Aztlan Studio Documentary – Confined to a Canvas

Follow the story of a recently released artist and the curators of these unique exhibits of original art from those who are or were previously incarcerated. This documentary captures the challenges, hopes, and success stories of those who struggle to create beauty while incarcerated and share that beauty with any and all who are willing to accept it. The film helps to raise awareness about what art programs mean to those inside those prison walls and how these programs help them build the self-esteem and skills necessary to be successful when they are released. Truly remarkable and impactful, “Confined to a Canvas” is a must-see for everyone!

Download the Movie Poster Below!