When most people think of prison the thoughts are not pleasant – lack of freedom, terrible food, violence. But we seldom think of uplifting art coming from inside a penitentiary.

But thanks to the Prison Arts Program that is changing.

Since 1978, the Prison Arts Program has been working to transform Connecticut’s prisons, and the lives of all those living and working inside the state’s prisons, through the arts. And Community Partners in Action, which has been assisting those affected by the criminal justice system, while advocating and enabling systemic change since 1875, an annual show of art produced through the program is put on in different state locations.

This year the 44th annual show will be in the Hans Weiss Newspace Gallery at CT State Community College Manchester from Sept. 26 through Nov. 13. An opening reception will be held Thursday, Sept. 26, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., in the gallery, on the first floor of the AST building. A closing reception is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, from noon to 2 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

For Manchester alumna Sarah Romero and her daughter, Wendi, 7, this show has a personal connection. Art produced by Wendi’s father, Kelly Nixon Jr., will be exhibited.

“He has been drawing her weekly pictures since he went to jail years ago, so this is a real-life way to connect with him via the arts,” said Romero. “My Wendi tells everyone both her parents are artists, and I’m excited to let her brag about her Dad’s talents at this exhibit, as opposed to trying to hide his faults.”

They will both attend the opening reception of the exhibit on Set. 26.

For more information about the exhibit visit https://www.manchestercc.edu/hans-weiss-newspace/.