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

Fresh morning breeze.
Swaying back and forth rhythmically as if possessed by tribal drums.
The beautiful glorious sun shining on my skin
Allowing me to feel its comforting radiating heat.
I’m up and at attention
Looking at the world around me
Observing a harmonious community.
All working as one.
No complaints.
The tickle of a bee buzzing and landing on my arm
Bringing a deep calm and a warm feeling.
A Kinship.
Familiarity.
Hello there my friend.
A good morning to you.
Off she flies
Acquainting herself with the rest of the family.
Feeding and serving her purpose
Benefiting all of humanity.
The smell of fresh tilled dirt snapping me back to attention.
The aroma of fresh loam.
Reminding me of its life sustaining minerals that sustain life for all.
Sustaining the fruit I bear
Fruit with a perpetual seed.
The seeds that will give me life next season.
And season after season.
Thanking my Father for gifting me immortality.
For allowing me to serve Him
To sustain His creation.
Thankful for being
A Plant of Renown.
I like to write about what inspires me: nature/ religion/spirituality, plants and my memories of home. I am deeply moved by Indigenous writers. The poem On this Island on which I love you is a tribute to Native Hawaiian poet Brandy Nālani McDougall--a Kānaka Maoli author, poet, educator, literary activist, and associate professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
If you are the artist of an artwork featured in this gallery and want it removed, please reach out to alliance@higheredinprison.org