Mountain Arts Center displays Prison Education Program student artwork throughout January

Published on Jan 15, 2026

The Mountain Arts Center is hosting an exhibition of artwork by incarcerated individuals and students enrolled in the Big Sandy Community and Technical College Prison Education Program throughout the month of January.

There are 25 pieces of artwork displayed at the MAC in a variety of styles and media. The exhibition includes pieces from multiple artists at both United States Penitentiary Big Sandy in Inez and the Southeast State Correctional Complex in Wheelwright. The project began with Stephanie VanHoose, the prison education program coordinator, after she toured USP Big Sandy during the summer of 2025.

“When I toured the federal prison, they had a recreation area, and all of this artwork was displayed. I just thought we could display their art here in our art studio,” she said.

Robert Daniels, technical director at the MAC, reached out to VanHoose and asked if the display could remain throughout January.

“I saw the display and I thought, ‘This is great.’ I think it’s a great thing to do to keep the prisoners doing something positive and to see all the talent that no one would have known was there until it was in front of them,” Daniels said.

He continued, saying the display fits in perfectly at the MAC because it aligns with their goals and what they do every day: showcasing talent that otherwise may have been overlooked.

“At SSCC, there are several artists who have brought their art to me in the education office just to show what they have done. I was truly amazed by their talent,” VanHoose said.

The exhibition is on display in the MAC lobby and is open to the public.