Prisoner Art Show
Since 2000, The Fortune Society has sponsored an annual Prisoner Art Show. Through this project we provide incarcerated individuals with an opportunity to share their creativity with the world while educating the public about America’s swelling prison population. As you can see from our gallery, most of the men and women who submit their paintings, drawings and sculptures to this project don’t have access to conventional supplies. Many never received any formal training or had any interest in art before they were arrested. Nevertheless, the circumstances of their incarceration compel them to create, using the materials they have at their disposal: coffee grounds, beet juice, M&M’s. Their work reflects the isolation, memory and longing that punctuate prison life.
The art show has grown significantly over time. Our earliest shows of 30 or 40 pieces were hosted in Fortune’s conference room and attended primarily by staff members. Today we typically receive over 200 entries and in recent years the show has been hosted by The National Arts Club, the Lab Gallery at the Roger Smith Hotel and the Furman Gallery at the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center. An online gallery and auction site is launched in conjunction with the New York City-based show, so Fortune supporters all around the world can view and bid on the art. You can view the most recent entries here.
In 2006, incarcerated artists helped off-set the rising costs of producing the Prisoner Art Show by donating their work to Fortune, enabling us to use the project as a fundraising tool to support our programs. In return for their generosity, each received a gift certificate for $25, redeemable for art supplies.
Numerous studies have shown that access to creative, constructive activities improves order within prisons and helps men and women reintegrate back into their communities upon release. For many of the artists, the recognition they receive from this event – even simply having their name listed on the website – is deeply meaningful. As one participant recently wrote:
“My art is what keeps me going day after day and year after year. I never in my life had as much joy as art brings me now.”
Another artist, recently released, shared this insight:
“For me and many others, the Fortune Society art show is a powerful validation of our talent. Most of us are ignorant of the value of our work and in that, ignorant of the value of ourselves. By securing a gallery and treating us as human beings, your organization is acknowledging and reaching out to the best in us. It is the path to healing.”
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For additional information about the annual Prisoner Art Show, please contact Seth Hartig at or 212-691-7554 x217.
Interested in submitting a piece? Read the latest Entry Terms and Conditions.
