Photographs of those incarcertated in California passionately practicing their art. 

Made over a period of 15 years in both men's and women's prisons, the images show incarcerated artists engaging in visual, performance and literary art forms. More than 100 photos, including 26 images of prison towns—the small communities that support the most remote California prisons.

Peter Merts is a photographer residing in the San Francisco area. For decades he has focused on documenting the work of several arts-based non-profit (NGO) organizations. He is co-author of Paths of Discovery: Art Practice and Its Impact in California Prisons (2nd edition), and author of Ex Crucible: The Passion of Incarcerated Artists (with Daylight Books).

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Peter Merts - Website | Peter Merts - Instagram