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Drake to Host Exhibit Featuring Art by Mothers Behind Bars

“Interrupted Life: Incarcerated Mothers in the United States,”
“Interrupted Life: Incarcerated Mothers in the United States,”

Drake University will host a traveling art exhibit, titled “Interrupted Life: Incarcerated Mothers in the United States,” which explores the challenges facing mothers in prison and their children.

The exhibit, which contains works by imprisoned mothers and their children, will open Monday, Oct. 9, in the Mezzanine Lounge on the top floor of Olmsted Center, 29th Street and University Avenue. Curator Rickie Solinger will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 in Bulldog Theater in Olmsted Center titled “Who Gets to Be a Real Mother? From Slavery Time to the Era of Incarceration: Race and the Politics of Maternity.”


Contact: Lisa Lacher, 515-271-3119,javascript:DeCryptX('2n2k2u2c202n3d2e0h2g1s1A1e1s2c3n3h1/2g0d1v')


Solinger is director of WAKEUP/ARTS, an organization that presents traveling public art exhibitions featuring the impact of incarceration on American families. The exhibit, which has visited numerous college and university campuses around the nation, presents a compelling case for prison reform.


The exhibit and opening presentation are free and open to the public. The gallery area will be open from 8 a.m. until midnight Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. until midnight on Sunday.


“Interrupted Life” is sponsored by Drake’s Women’s Studies Program, Department for the Study of Culture and Society, Women’s Action Coalition, Rainbow Union, La Fuerza Latina, the Coalition of Black Students, First-Year Seminar Program and the Honors Program.