Fourth Annual Art Exhibition Celebrates Creativity and Second Chances

By Jakiya Dudley, Media Specialist

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The fourth annual Changing the Course: Art by the Currently & Formerly Incarcerated exhibition took place on Tuesday, April 15 at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery. This signature event, hosted by the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles and made possible by event partners including the Alabama Department of Corrections, Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project, the Alabama Community College System, Ingram State Technical College, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Alabama Department of Archives and History and Troy University, showcased the transformative power of art in rehabilitation and reintegration.

Attendees including legislators, community leaders, and advocates, experienced a diverse array of artwork, from paintings and sculptures to welding projects and mixed-media pieces. Each creation reflected the personal journeys and resilience of individuals impacted by the justice system.

A standout piece, “Freedom the Dog” serves as a mascot at the Montgomery Day Reporting Center, offering daily inspiration to participants. This artwork was recently featured on WSFA’s Alabama Live program, highlighting its uplifting impact.

The event draws a large crowd each year, with attendees eager to experience the powerful artwork created by individuals within Alabama’s justice system. Guests were highly impressed by the exceptional quality of the pieces and often reflected on the deep creativity and healing expressed through each work. New to this year’s event was a photo booth, where guests posed in front of an “Under the Sea” styled backdrop reflecting the creative theme of the art show and adding a fun, interactive element to the evening.

“Creative expression is a powerful tool for reentry,” Bureau Director Cam Ward said. “It gives individuals a voice, a sense of purpose, and a path toward successful rehabilitation and healing.”

Throughout the evening, attendees gained insight into the therapeutic impact of art, the Bureau’s rehabilitation initiatives, and the vital contributions of event and community partners who help make transformation possible.

Speakers at the exhibition included J.F. Ingram State Technical College President Annette Funderburk, Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm, Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project Outreach Program Manager Rob Hitt, Troy University’s Gardening in the Alabama Prison System Inmate Art Director Dr. Kelly Berwager, ADAH Director Steve Murray, and Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward.

Special recognition was given to Executive Assistant to the Director Jill Stallworth, who was the lead coordinator and point of contact for the event. She was primarily responsible for communicating with vendors and partners, as well as decorating and planning the event.

The Bureau also thanks event partners – ADOC, Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project, ISTC, ADAH, ADMH, Troy University, key legislators, and all participating artists for making this exhibition possible. Discussions and plans regarding next year’s Changing the Course event are already underway.

Changing the Course began in 2022 under the vision of Director Cam Ward and other state agency leaders, who made it their goal to find productive ways to reduce recidivism in Alabama. Art therapy programs and art classes are a proven way to both reduce recidivism and improve the lives of those suffering with mental illness. Since 2022, attendees at each annual event have enjoyed a high turnout and an enriching experience.