CPA Prison Arts Annual Show

CPA Prison Arts Annual Show
Opening Reception: Saturday, December 5, 2026: RSVP here
Admission is free, with donations encouraged. Plan your visit here

The Community Partners in Action (CPA) Prison Arts Annual Show features more than 700 works by over 150 artists currently incarcerated in Connecticut prisons. Guest curator Jeffrey Greene of Community Partners in Action (CPA) has spent more than 35 years helping thousands of people in Connecticut’s prisons sustain their humanity through art. The exhibition reflects the year-round commitment of CPA staff, participating artists, and artists’ families, whose encouragement and involvement help sustain the program.

The Community Partners in Action was founded in 1875. It is one of the nation’s oldest criminal justice organizations—originally known as the Connecticut Prison Association. CPA provides restorative justice services to youth and adults to support successful reentry and strengthen communities. The organization delivers programs that empower individuals to change their lives, make communities safer, and improve quality of life across Connecticut.

The Prison Arts Program, initiated in 1978, is the CPA’s longest running program, and one of the longest running projects of its kind in the United States. The program works inside Connecticut prisons to positively and constructively change the lives of the incarcerated and the prison environment by encouraging unique, personal, and evolving artistic pursuits. These pursuits can engender hope in an often-hopeless place. Participants develop purpose, creativity, self-discipline, work ethic, self-esteem, technical and communication skill development, thoughtfulness, introspection, critical thinking, and peacefulness. In essence, tools for a productive, authentic, and profound life.

This exhibition is made possible by
The Joyce Thompson Art Fund + Heavy Weather Fund + Gary and Susie Singer Arts & Culture Foundation + Kathryn Turley-Sonne