Write to an Artist

Thank you for writing a response letter to an artist in the Annual Exhibition of Artists by Michigan Prisons! Every year we hear from many artists about how valuable your individualized feedback is and the role it plays in their creative practice.

Response letter steps:

1. Select an artwork. Please respond to a piece that has not yet received a response letter. Pieces that have already received a response letter are labeled by a GREEN dot in the gallery. Response letter status is also noted in the digital exhibition.

2. Sign up for a piece. Complete the response letter form below. Have the artwork log number, title, and artist name ready.

3. Write your response. See the guidelines below.

4. Send your response. Type it directly into the response letter form or email the letter as an attachment to pcapexhibits@umich.edu.

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 they 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 directly to your letter. Try to ask questions in a way that prompts the artist’s reflection but does not require or invite 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 include technical aspects you respond well to such as style, composition, line quality, color, contrast, use of materials, content.