Art created by students drew over 80 people to Fresno City Hall as part of the monthly ArtHop program. The difference between these artists and most others is they are all incarcerated at five regional state correctional institutions.
Incarcerated art students show work
The public viewed 68 works of art created by the incarcerated art-class students.
Downtown Fresno and the Tower District are home to over 60 participating artist studios, galleries, museums, and other venues. They exhibit artists’ work and host open galleries free to the public the first and third Thursday of each month. Fresno City Hall exhibits are curated by the Fresno Arts Council.
This is the second year the council has showcased work created by those in the Arts in Corrections program. The rehabilitative program is made possible by the California Arts Council and CDCR.
Included in this exhibition were 18 works done on paper and canvas by those in the painting class taught by Robert Amador at Valley State Prison. The exhibition was displayed the entire month of July.
Learn more about California Arts in Corrections.
By Lt. David Barksdale
Read more rehabilitation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
San Quentin hosts third puppy graduation
San Quentin celebrated its third annual puppy graduation partnering with Canine Companions and pairing incarcerated individuals with service-dog prospects. Dozens…
CTF marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) commemorated National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2026 with a series of events held April 20-24.…
Watch: Franco finds Second Chance via mentor program
Maria Franco, formerly incarcerated at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, was serving a 34-to-life sentence when she began…
Watch: At MCRP, Bernal finds Second Chance
Incarcerated at 19 years old, Steven Bernal doubted change was possible for him as he faced decades in prison. “I…
Undersecretary observes VR program at CMC
CDCR Undersecretary Jason Johnson visited California Men’s Colony (CMC) to observe the Creative Acts Virtual Reality (VR) Program. Johnson observed…
RJD hosts Crime Victims’ Rights Week event
RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) recently hosted a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week awareness event for staff and the incarcerated…