“Finding Hope Within” is a traveling exhibition of works by poets and artists incarcerated in Vermont. John Vincent of A Revolutionary Press (New Haven, VT) began “Finding Hope Within” to highlight the healing and transformative role that art plays within the American carceral system. The pieces on display range in process and medium, from knitted sculptures and garments to illustrations, poetry, and letterpress prints. The creation of the art and curation of the pieces for exhibition is a collaborative effort between John Vincent and a statewide network of volunteers and organizations committed to keeping hope alive for incarcerated individuals.

For the gallery opening event at the Library, the three curators will each present on their particular involvement with the artists whose works are featured in the “Finding Hope Within” exhibition.

Heather Newcomb of Turning Point Center of Addison County will explain her connection with the women artists and poets incarcerated at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility, as well as those who have returned to their communities.

Anna Jennings, the volunteer poetry facilitator of Free Verse Fridays at the Southern State Correctional Facility, will talk about her experiences with the poets who attend these weekly sessions and will read selections of their published poems as well as newly written pieces.

John Vincent of A Revolutionary Press will talk about the origins of this exhibition, which began touring Vermont in July 2023, and how it compares to similar exhibits in other states. He will also describe how the Press and the incarcerated poets and artists participate in both the design process and the actual papermaking and letterpress printing of their poems and artwork.

Those attending the opening will have the opportunity to pull a letterpress print related to this exhibition on the same printing press that the poets use at the prison.