Ono highlights impact of state support on student success, affordability, economic growth

Santa Ono, 15th president of the University of Michigan

In testimony before the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges in Lansing on April 30, President Santa J. Ono reinforced the vital role state funding plays in furthering the success of students, driving economic development, and maintaining affordable access to a world-class higher education experience for students across the state.

  1. W. Ralph Eubanks

    ‘We have so much to explain’

    There’s a reason so many American classics spring from the fertile literary terrain of Mississippi, says author and Ole Miss professor W. Ralph Eubanks, MA ’79. The trauma that informs its beauty ‘holds up a mirror to the rest of America,’ he says.

  2. Sunglasses and book at the beach

    Wolverine writers to read this summer

    There’s still time to get in at least one more beach read, and what better place to find it than your favorite alumni shelf? U-M authors are as prolific as ever, penning titles ranging from young adult fiction to international thrillers.

  3. Stock image: Silhouette of raised arms and clenched fists on the background of the flag of cuba. The concept of power, conflict.

    Protests in Cuba: The beginning of a new revolution?

    U-M sociologist Silvia Pedraza says Cuban unrest is the result of a perfect storm that includes the coronavirus pandemic, the lack of a charismatic leader, the deep financial crisis unleashed by changes in the currency, and greater access to the internet in recent years.

  4. The Michigan Micro Mote

    Snails help solve mystery with world’s smallest computer

    U-M scientists using a computing system so tiny it can stick to a snail’s shell recently collected data ‘that nobody had been able to obtain’ before. Evolutionary biologists are using the miniaturized sensing computers to understand how to preserve and protect endemic species.

  5. Michigan State Capitol via Wikipedia

    Two-thirds of local leaders see Michigan moving in the wrong direction

    The combined crises of the past year have darkened the attitudes of local government leaders, according to the first results of U-M’s 2021 Michigan Public Policy Survey.

  6. Mason Ferlic qualifies for the 2021 Olympics

    (Steeple) chasing Olympic glory

    Doctoral student Mason Ferlic is among the 2020 Summer Olympics competitors with U-M ties. And despite the games’ delay, this Wolverine arrived in Tokyo with a ‘renewed and refreshed mindset.’ Plus: More Olympians with links to U-M

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.