CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (March 14, 2023) — Coe College will host an ArtLinks event on Thursday, March 23, 7-8PM, in room 203 of the Dows Fine Arts Center on the Coe College campus. It is free and open to the public. Registration is available, but walks-in are welcome.
At an ArtLinks gathering, participants view a selection of works by incarcerated artists and discuss them with other attendees. They then may choose to write short notes to one or more of the artists describing their responses to their artwork.
The ArtLinks event, the first of its kind in Cedar Rapids, is presented in partnership with Justice Arts Coalition (JAC), a national network and resource center for those creating art in and around the criminal legal system.
ArtLinks provides an opportunity to view new work by incarcerated artists in JAC’s network. Participants are encouraged to share feedback, reflections, and encouragement with the artists through hand-written letters, which JAC sends off to the artists. Time and again, JAC hears how much it means to the artists to know people on the outside are seeing, appreciating, and being impacted by their work.
Knowing participants took the time to engage with their work brings the artists hope and validation and inspires them to keep creating.
“Seeing the creativity and resourcefulness of incarcerated artists is really inspiring. It's an honor to not only view these unique pieces, but also to have the chance to respond to the artists,” said Coe sociology professor Katie Rodgers who attended an ArtLinks event in Iowa City last fall.
This event is hosted by Coe's Prison Learning Initiative which offers a range of hands-on experiences for campus and community members to learn about the impacts of incarceration and the carceral system.
Coe College offers superb academics and exciting cocurricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. Established in 1851, Coe has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly-supportive campus environment. Coe’s vibrant Cedar Rapids location provides an abundance of internships for students and career opportunities for graduates.
