Write a Response Letter

Thank you for writing a response letter to an artist in the 29th Annual Exhibition of Artists by Michigan Prisons. Every year we hear from many artists about how valuable individualized feedback is and how it motivates them to continue creating art.

It is our goal that every artist in the exhibition receive a letter. For this reason, please select an artist who has not yet been written to.

To write a response letter, please follow these steps:

• Select an artwork you connect with. Pieces that have already received a letter are labeled by a GREEN dot in the gallery, and marked on this spreadsheet.
• Sign up to write a letter. Fill out your name, contact information, and instructor name (if applicable) in the same spreadsheet.
• Write your response. Guidelines for content are below. If possible, please type your response to maximize legibility. 
• Email the letter(s) as attachment to pcapexhibits@umich.edu or mail it to the PCAP office (1801 East Quad, 701 E. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109).

Please copy the artwork log number, artwork title, and artist name in its entirety at the top of your letter. Also use this as the file name of your letter. (Example: 655-20 _Country-Western Ants_Rodeo Cholo)

Please sign the letter only with your first name. WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SEND YOUR LETTER IF IT CONTAINS YOUR LAST NAME.

Responding to Artwork:

• Keep in mind that this might be the only feedback the artist receives.
• Prison is often a place of judgment & criticism, so please be sensitive to the context in which the artist will be reading your response.
• Try to focus on your connection to the piece and what makes it strong & successful.
• Please prioritize being as specific as possible and not overusing generic phrases such as “Your work is great.”
• Think of someone responding to your work; what kind of feedback would you want?
• Be aware that any suggestions that come from someone from outside prison carries a lot of weight. Instead of telling the artist what to do or what direction to take, pose questions that may provoke artistic experimentation and development. Keep in mind, however, that the artist will not be able to respond to your letter. Try to ask questions in a way that prompts the artist’s reflection but does not invite or require an answer.

Some ideas to include:

• Include a brief (1-2 sentences max) intro, prefacing your background with art for context.
• Your connection with the piece. How does it make you feel? What stands out the most to you? Over time, what do you notice?
• The strengths you see in the piece and/or what makes it successful. What are some themes that you see in the artwork?
• You may also discuss technical aspects you respond to such as style, composition, line quality, color, contrast, use of materials, or content.