Art and Restorative Justice

About the Class

This workshop will explore the role art can play in raising awareness of issues surrounding mass incarceration, how it may provide a creative outlet for those imprisoned, and how it might remediate the lasting effects of incarceration. The centerpiece of this workshop will be close consideration of works in a special exhibition of original art created by artists at the State Correctional Institute (SCI) Phoenix, southeast Pennsylvania’s male maximum-security prison.

Capacity: 20

Note: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend this class; please check safety guidelines for current masking information.

Barnes classes will:

• Increase your understanding of art-related concepts.
• Increase the ways you think critically about art.
• Improve your ability to communicate about art.
• Deepen your appreciation for cultures and histories outside your own.

Recent Barnes Class Testimonials

“[The] professor was highly engaging, facilitated excellent discussions, and [was] very knowledgeable. I learned a lot about teaching art history from watching her.” Course: Matisse and Picasso with Martha Lucy

“Every single second of the course was a productive, valuable, and interesting use of my time. The instructor's enthusiasm and reference to outside resources sparked a greater interest in me as a learner and resulted in me exploring even more on my own. I couldn't have enjoyed the experience more.” Course: Salvador Dalí: Surrealism and Beyond with Jonathan Wallis

“I am not an artist and prior to this course I had not thought about what an artist might be 'thinking,' as opposed to 'feeling.' I loved this course and plan to immerse myself in color theory.” Course: Visualizing Memory with Lucas Kelly

“This course is equal to or exceeds art history courses I have taken at several major universities in terms of syllabus and quality of instruction.” Course: The School of Paris with Joseph Tokumasu Field