Filling a gap: U-M students help combat Michigan’s shortage of rural dentists

Two dentists work on a patient.

Northern Michigan resident Becky Klein was surprised to learn that the dentists at the Thunder Bay Community Health Service clinic were students from the U-M School of Dentistry. They turned out to be just as competent and professional as seasoned practitioners, she said, and excellent communicators.

  1. Teen in a graveyard -- stock image

    Firearms are now the top cause of death among U.S. youth

    Firearms have surpassed motor vehicles as the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the United States, according to new federal data analyzed by researchers at the University of Michigan.

  2. Image of black hole

    Check out the black hole at the heart of our galaxy

    You are viewing the first image of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy. U-M scientist Mark Reynolds was part of the group to reveal the first direct visual evidence of its presence.

  3. Kids play soccer, DCFC

    Soccer in Motown: ‘Passion for our city, passion for the game’

    Michigan alumnus Alex Wright is a co-founder of Detroit City FC, a minor-league soccer team that strives to satisfy the demand for soccer in downtown Detroit, represent the city in a positive light, and build community.

  4. Anatol Rapoport at chalkboard featuring diagram of Prisoner's Dilemma

    How to win without winning

    As world leaders seek a path to peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it is often difficult to discern whether they are promoting war or peace. How we think about conflict is critical, experts say, as we face a maelstrom of news from the region.

  5. David Brown in surgery

    Surgeon organizes medical supply drive for Ukrainian hospitals

    David Brown is one of several doctors who travels to Ukraine to do burn reconstruction surgery every year. When Russia invaded the country, he knew he needed to help.

  6. Michael Barr, 2020

    Biden’s intended nominee for Fed’s top banking regulator: U-M Ford School Dean Michael Barr

    If confirmed, Barr would step down and take an unpaid leave of absence from U-M, retaining his faculty appointments in public policy and law and planning to return to the faculty after serving his term on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.

Creativity and connection across prison walls

One of the world’s largest and longest-running exhibitions of incarcerated artists is back with new programming designed to foster connection and deepen public understanding of incarceration in Michigan. The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, curated by U-M’s Prison Creative Arts Project, showcases 772 artworks by 538 artists incarcerated in 26 state prisons. The Duderstadt Center Gallery on U-M’s North Campus is presenting the artwork through April 1.

  • Most Wanted by Samantha Bachynski

    The exhibition features diverse styles and media, including paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts and found materials. Each fall, volunteers, including students, select the pieces and visit every prison in Michigan to interact directly with the artists. (See original image)

    Colorful night sky shows through tree branches. 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Tangerine Dreams by Matisse Bravo

    For over 35 years, PCAP has worked to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community through artistic collaboration, mutual learning and growth. The program has expanded to include undergraduate courses, weekly art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary review and year-round events to foster dialogue and connection. (See original image)

    A plate of tangerines and tangerine slices on a green table with yellow wall. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Peacefulness by Susan Brown

    According to Emily Chase, PCAP’s exhibition and curatorial coordinator, themes of community and mentorship emerged strongly in this year’s collection. (See original image)

    Colorful landscape with stripes and a mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Paths #2 by Kendall Leonard

    The exhibition allows incarcerated artists to have their voices heard beyond prison walls. “Their voices are so often silenced, and this is one of the few areas where they can feel heard,” says Mattie Levy, PCAP community engagement coordinator. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting from the 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Mountain Honey by Terry Stinebeck

    “We witnessed experienced artists mentoring newcomers and saw how the artistic efforts of one individual can motivate and inspire others,” says PCAP’s Emily Chase. (See original image)

    A serene landscape with a yellow sky and mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • House of Kards by Michael Browning

    Visitors to the Duderstadt exhibition can experience an audio tour that features select stories from some of the artists. (See original image)

    Abstract painting of a face card from a deck of cards. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Happiness Within by Groot

    This year, the exhibition introduced a new event, “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” in which students performed original musical compositions inspired by select artworks. (See original image)

    Abstract image of youth with a surreal balloon. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Garden Escapades by Tim Brownell

    The concert that complemented the exhibition was a way to empower and unite with people impacted by the justice system through a shared love of creativity, says Ty Bloomfield, one of the event’s organizers. (See original image)

    A farm scene with crops growing in rows and red barn. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • DMX by David Hudson-Bey

    The 2025 exhibition was presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the U-M Residential College. (See original image)

    Abstract of DMX painting with blues and greens. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Did I do that? by Daniel Teriberi

    For nearly three decades, the exhibition has provided a platform for incarcerated artists to share their work with the public, shedding light on personal narratives and the power of artistic expression. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting in 2025 PCAP exhibition.