The artwork displayed here was created and submitted by participants of the Incarcerated Scholars Conference. We are honored to share these creative works publicly to celebrate the talent, voice, and vision of the artists.
All works remain the intellectual property of their respective creators. The images, names, and likenesses of the artists are shared solely for the purpose of viewing and appreciating their work.
Reproduction, distribution, sale, or any other use of this artwork, including use of any artist’s name, image, or likeness, without explicit written permission from the creator, is strictly prohibited.
By viewing this gallery, you agree to respect the integrity and ownership of each artist’s work. Our goal is to make these creative expressions visible and valued—while protecting the rights and dignity of those who made them.
Read more about the ISC Art Gallery policies

Stuck in a place where friend turns to foe and family to people you don't know.
Seeds refuse to grow and violence is all thats down.
Blood flows....bones break and teeth chatter.
Love is a thing people pretend doesn't matter.
Hearts clatter...to the floor, as the soul realizes affection remains no more.
Every day becomes one more closed door; or is it the walls that are closing?
Ghosts surround me spewing blank pages, posing.
Walking around not knowing...that black is all I see, and it seems to me that pain is all that life was meant to be.
Dreams of being free smothered by constant isolation from all normalcy.
There comes a pin...opportunity knocks again and light creeps in;
I'm a man again,
no question I win..the hands that play the days away; proving I chose where life begins!
I was not far into a thirty year sentence that I received at 19years old. I was struggling with the harsh environment while fighting to grow into the man I believed I could be. This poem became a battle cry to reach for my true potential. I am now a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with about five years left.
If you are the artist of an artwork featured in this gallery and want it removed, please reach out to alliance@higheredinprison.org