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, Deacon Kim Crecca is available to “introduce” these women based on her own personal experience working with them at the prison. The artwork is available for purchase. Income generated from these shows helps the artists support their families, provide funds for their own release, and assist others who are in need. The prison ministry offers 3 shows per year. Churches interested in hosting an art show should contact 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, 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

Click HERE to download the flyer

Art Exhibit Schedule 2023-2024

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 Deacon Kim Crecca. Shipping & handling fees will apply for items that are mailed.

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 Deacon Kim Crecca at prisonministry@azdiocese.org 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

#730 “Medicine Crow” by Karen Moore The American holocaust tried to eradicate the wisdom, heart, and soul of the Indigenous People of this land. Instead, we lost our own souls. Suggested Donation: $235 9×12 – Pencil Sketch

#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

#598 Whispers That Echo by Debra Mounla The past continues to whisper in my mind and the choices I made echo into the future. 6 panels Suggested Donation: $600 9×12 (6) – Acrylic The past continues to whisper in my mind and the choices I made echo into the future. 6 panels Suggested Donation: $600 9×12 (6) – 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

#575 Koi Playing Coy by Carol Scott-Johnson Painting is a calling and sometimes it’s wonderful to answer it with wild imagination and childlike awe. Paint brushes slow me down, so I use my fingers most of the time. My fingers have never had so much fun than creating the kaleidoscopic colors and bodies of these fish! Creating a brightly colored bridge between impressionism and abstract art was unexpectedly freeing for someone in prison. Suggested Donation: $65 9×11 – Acrylic

#697 Be Fierce by Amber Carlson Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves of our own fierceness. When I look at this lion, I see inner strength, confidence, and determination. That’s what fierce means to me. You have to be fierce to survive in a jungle or prison. Suggested Donation: $50 9×12 – Pencil Sketch

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

“Confined to a Canvas” is a documentary on prison art and artists featuring the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona’s “Straight From the Heart” Art Exhibit.