Phyllis Kornfield uses art - born in the penitentiary - as evidence to challenge stereotypes of inmates. Kornfield, a prison art lecturer and author of Cellblock Visions: Prison Art in America, will show slides of these powerful images and speak from her personal experience with the artists, their processes, and the prison environment in which the work was created. She quotes men and women in institutions from county jail to death row. They are candid and insightful about their lives, their art, and their imprisonment.
Kornfield will be joined by local activists working to humanize the prison experience, including Jane Golden of the Mural Arts project, Barbara Hirshkowitz, curator of Books Through Bars’ Context Collection of art donated by artists in prison (currently on display at the Ester Klein Gallery), and Thompson Bradley who has taught writing at Philadelphia Industrial Corrections Center for the last 2 years.
5pm optional self-guided tour of the Context Collection showing at the Ester M. Klein Art Gallery as “Creativity in Confinement” which opens September 12. 3600 Market St., Philadelphia. (215) 966-6188
Table Talks at 6pm include a three course dinner, followed by speaker and discussion from 7:30-9pm. $35 per person, includes tax and gratuity. Cash bar. Senior citizens (over 65) and full-time students $25 with advance notification.
Student Stand By Policy: Students can call (215) 386-9224 between 4 - 5:30pm on event days for available seating at 6pm for dinner ($15) or to attend the discussion only at 7:30 (free).
Please call (215) 386-9224 for reservations before sending payment. Advance payment required by giving a credit card over the phone or sending a check. Single reservations are welcome at Table Talks where you'll be seated at a group table. Vegetarian dishes are always offered.
