On January 14^th, 2026, the Expressive Arts and Write to Heal programs hosted a long-anticipated exhibition of student work at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, New York’s maximum-security prison for women. Coordinated by Women & Justice Project, these sister programs are co-designed and co-facilitated by women leaders with personal knowledge of incarceration in NY’s prisons. Our goal is to provide a supportive space where participants can learn not only the skill of creative techniques but also how to engage those techniques – art, writing, dialogue – as potent vehicles for self-expression, self-reflection, communication, personal transformation, and connection.

The event took place in Bedford’s gymnasium, with three separate showings – two for people incarcerated at Bedford and facility staff, and one for outside guests, including participants’ family members, community members and DOCCS Central Office staff. The evening event included a catered meal, and a presentation and certificate ceremony. Participants spoke powerfully about their artistic journeys and experiences being part of the program community. Bedford Superintendent, Bedford Deputy Superintendent of Programs, and the DOCCS Deputy Commissioner for Program Services also made remarks sharing their support for Expressive Arts and Write to Heal and recognizing participants’ achievements.

With over 100 drawings, paintings, sculptures, and writing pieces creatively displayed on tables and free-standing easels throughout the room, this all-day event was a rare and powerful opportunity to bring together participants and loved ones, program volunteers, corrections staff, and community members to celebrate participants’ accomplishments and the programs’ success. Moreover, for the first time, both sister programs were able to share space together and to build on the growing enthusiasm and sense of community generated within our inaugural program cohorts.

Overall, the exhibition lifted up the power and promise of initiatives led by women who have experienced incarceration, the artistic vision and leadership of the participants, and the need for continued support to deepen the programs’ impact. We look forward to more exhibitions to come.