Futuristic technology reveals secrets in ancient Vesuvius Scrolls

The Vesuvius Scrolls, appearing like petrified croissants, in a drawer.

When Italy’s Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, it buried the palatial villa of Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Julius Caesar’s father-in-law. These black and brittle papyri may look like charred croissants, but U-M classicist Richard Janko believes they contain lost masterpieces of literature, history, and philosophy.

  1. Governor Cass and the Indians

    All good origin stories contain at least a kernel of myth at the center of the plot. If there’s any such myth in the University’s origins, it’s not about heroes or grandiose works. It’s an idea embedded in the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 — that these Great Lakes states should provide public education to the region’s children.

  2. Unlocking the secrets of SuperAgers

    SuperAgers are showing us it’s possible to enjoy quality cognition as we age, says neuropsychologist Amanda Maher. She is leading U-M’s site for the SuperAging Research Initiative, one of six hubs in the U.S. and Canada studying the biological, genetic, and psychosocial factors contributing to resilient cognition.

  3. Exonerated: Freeing the wrongly accused from prison

    Legal experts estimate the national rate of individuals wrongly convicted of crimes is between 3-5%. Since 2009, the U-M Law School Innocence Clinic has been correcting injustices inflicted upon Michigan residents. As of late 2023, students and faculty in the clinic have helped 41 people regain their freedom.

  4. New commission, world premiere: ‘When the Caged Bird Sings’

    Drawing inspiration from the Black church, American composer Nkeiru Oko fuses elements of oratorio, theater, and opera to celebrate the spirit of rising above expectations. Partly in tribute to the activist and poet laureate Maya Angelou, the work celebrates the transformative ability of Black women. Hill Auditorium: Feb 10.

  5. Legacy in land: Protecting rare fens, century farms, and other natural habitats in Michigan

    Prairie fens, which take thousands of years to develop, exist predominantly in southern lower Michigan and occur where cold, alkaline groundwater bubbles to the surface. The springs feed rivers and lakes with clean water. At the LaCroix Legacy Land Conservancy, alumna Susan Morley is dedicated to the voluntary conservation of locally important land.

  6. Sherrone Moore named Michigan’s head football coach

    Sherrone Moore was appointed U-M’s J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Head Football Coach on Jan. 26 after six years as an offensive staff member for the Wolverines. Moore becomes the 21st head football coach in school history and is the first African American to lead the nation’s winningest program in college football history.

The Art Show

Founded in 1990 with a single theatre workshop, the Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) is a program of U-M’s Residential College. Courses serve as gateways for undergraduate participation in prison arts workshops and provide academic training in issues surrounding incarceration and practical skills in the arts. The program’s Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons (“the art show”) is one of the largest exhibits of artwork by incarcerated artists in the world. The annual exhibition, free to the public, is presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. It runs through April 2 at the Duderstadt Gallery. (Click on the images to enlarge. Images are courtesy of PCAP.) Learn more about PCAP.

  • “Bubblegum.” Artist: Jill Day

    PCAP exhibits bring the artwork of incarcerated artists into the public realm in order to humanize people in prison, break stereotypes, and create dialogue about mass incarceration. (View complete image.)

    Girl in bangs blows giant pink bubble until only her eyes are visible. Chartreuse background.
  • Two Fine Gentlemen. Artist: Mark Sanchez

    The 2024 exhibition features 750 works of art by 490 artists in two and three dimensions, including portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, fantasy, and wildlife, as well as images about incarceration and entirely new visions.

    Two dogs dressed like merry old gentlemen wearing top hats, monocles, etc.
  • Luxury Groove Bar. Artist: ꓘBurns

    “Every time I see art from this year’s exhibition, I see something new and inspiring,” says Nora Krinitsky, the Prison Creative Arts Project Project director. “Some artists use materials in ways I’ve never seen before and others are making art under some of the most difficult circumstances I can imagine.”

    Dancers enjoy funky honky tonk.
  • Days Gone. Artist: Aaron Rose

    This year’s exhibition stands out due to the increased participation of students throughout the art selection process. PCAP offered a new curation mini-course that required students to immerse themselves in the most critical aspect of the annual exhibition process: engaging with the artists directly and making informed selections of artworks for display at the annual exhibit.

    Barren landscape with a single tree
  • When Hope and Promise Fades. Artist: Christopher Levitt

    PCAP’s curatorial team staff and many students who participated in the art selection process this past fall dedicated two full days to a thematic analysis of the 750 art pieces they chose for the exhibition. (See original image.)

    Despondent man in profile hangs head
  • Be Strong. Be Safe. Be Well. Artist: Albert Krakosky III

    “Through engaging in reflective art-making and writing, the students explored and encountered both their own humanity and that of the artists,” says Emily Chase, PCAP arts programming coordinator.

    Inmate's view of dorm living.
  • Dreaming of a Way Out/Wishful Thinking. Artist: Radus

    “I marveled at the use of humor and fun that we saw across facilities this year overall,” said programming coordinator Chase. “Satire can be a way of getting through rough, hopeless, or painfully absurd moments. But it can also communicate complex ideas or states of being in a way that is both accessible and clever.” This year, organizers are emphasizing storytelling and artists’ voices in the gallery in an audio tour.

    Pastel watercolor of alien abduction as unicorn watches
  • King’s Gambit. Artist: Marte’nez Sr.

    The free exhibition runs through April 2 at the Duderstadt Gallery, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd., on U-M’s North Campus in Ann Arbor. Gallery hours are Noon-6 p.m. Sunday and Monday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

    Older gentleman behind bars plays chess with child. Reddish brown