Art from the Inside
In 2024, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office opened its doors to an unprecedented exhibit, JUSTICE RE-FORMED, featuring powerful artwork created by artists currently and formerly incarcerated in Minnesota’s correctional facilities. This historic collaboration with the nonprofit organization, Art from the Inside, marked the first time the state’s top law office showcased creative voices of justice-impacted individuals. The exhibit sparked statewide conversations about creativity, redemption, and the power of art to transform lives.
Minneapolis College Dean Ann Deiman-Thornton has been involved with Art from the Inside since its founding. She currently serves as board president, supporting their mission to empower incarcerated artists to experience personal transformation and restoration. As Academic Dean to the School of Education, Public and Human Service, Ann also oversees the Minneapolis College Library, and the College’s Transformation and Reentry through Education Community (TREC) program. Through these relationships, she was instrumental in bringing awareness to this important event, and the librarians at Minneapolis College took notice.
As part of its commitment to justice, equity, and community engagement, the Minneapolis College Library acquired several pieces from the exhibit for its permanent art collection. Funding provided through the library’s endowment (The Wheelock Whitney Fund) made it possible to invest in this collection, which, in turn, supports the justice-impacted individuals as they work to rebuild their lives (all proceeds from the purchases go directly to the artists).
Thursday, Sept. 25, from 3-4:30 p.m., the Minneapolis College Library will host a formal unveiling of these works.
Students, faculty, artists, and community members are welcome to visit campus and engage directly with the powerful impact of the artwork. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from both AFTI leaders and the artists themselves, providing testament to the power of creativity to challenge perceptions and inspire meaningful change. The experience will offer space for reflection on the stories embedded in each piece that now hangs in the library, highlighting the significant relationship between higher education and individuals affected by incarceration.
“Libraries are incredible pillars of the community, providing a welcoming space for everyone to learn, explore, and grow,” said Julie Hayes, Minneapolis College Library faculty who helped choose the pieces on exhibit alongside her colleagues. “Libraries offer access to a wealth of knowledge and resources, making education accessible to all. This exhibit fosters a sense of community by bringing people together.”
