Hartford, CT–  The much anticipated art exhibit of the year will be held this year at the Charter Oak Cultural Center in downtown Hartford.  The 32nd annual show of artwork from Connecticut’s Prisons features 140 artists from 14 correctional facilities, and is open throughout the month of May at Charter Oak.

This exhibit opens with a reception on Thursday, May 6th, 5 – 7PM.  This event is free, open to the public and will include hors d’oeuvres and beverages.  The exhibit runs through Friday, May 28th. Regular gallery hours are: Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm / Saturdays, 10am – 2pm/ Fridays 14 & 21 until 7pm.  Closed Thursday, May 13th.

Community Partners in Action PRISON ARTS PROGRAM ANNUAL SHOW 2010 is a tradition within the prison system, and inmates work all year towards this amazing show.  The Prison Arts Program was initiated in 1978 by Community Partners in Action, a Hartford non-profit.  The driving force behind this exhibition is CPA Prison Arts Program Manager Jeff Greene.  “The greatest reward of what I do is that I’m lucky to see great art and see people change and evolve in so many incredible ways. I get to deliver this work to the community. It’s really exciting.” says Greene.

Charter Oak Cultural Center, located at 21 Charter Oak Avenue in Hartford, is housed in Connecticut’s oldest synagogue building, is a non-profit, multi-cultural arts center committed to preserving the Jewish Heritage of our building, giving access to the arts to all people and doing the work of social justice. Charter Oak has long been an arts showcase for the region’s ethnically and culturally diverse communities. We offer performances, exhibits, classes, two free after school programs for inner city youth, lectures and cultural programming that nourish the mind, soul, body and spirit of young and old alike. Our mission is to provide access to the arts for all.

For more information about Charter Oak’s programs and events, visit www.charteroakcenter.org

“Razor Wire Nest” by Alessandro Perez:

Artist and new media activist Favianna Rodriguez discusses her prints and posters, now on display at the Broad Street Gallery in Hartford, through April 9, 1283 Broad Street.   She’s also a co-founder of Presente.org.

Click here to download the MP3

Artist Linda Abadjian discusses her paintings which are now on display at Charter Oak Cultural Center.  Her work depicts decades of destruction in the Middle East, mostly her native Lebanon, and tries to find hope in the depths of war. Visit LindaAbadjian.com for more information and images.

Click here to download the MP3

On Saturday, May 30^th , 8pm, at the Annex inside the Windham Arts Center, 866 Main Street, Willimantic, art and music will collide in one sticky situation. This evening will feature many of CT’s finest independent bands. The music though is merely a backdrop for an event which, at least in this region, may be a first of its kind- an international, underground art, sticker showcase. Read the full story

Real Art Ways’ Real Public art exhibition will feature collages, murals, and installations by four artists. This Saturday, May 30, RAW has free bus and bike tours of the four projects, by artists Matthew Rodriguez, Sofia Maldonado, Satch Hoyt, and Margarida Correia. In making their installations, the artists collaborated with local residents to create art that reflects community. More details are here and here.

Sarahi Yajaira is a Latina lesbian, and she wants you to know. Read the full story