Insight Out

Insight Out is a partnership between Second Street Second Chances, Inc. (2nd Street) and Berkshire Museum that resulted in an exhibition at the museum of visual art created by presently or formerly incarcerated individuals in Berkshire County, Massachusetts.  The exhibition was opened to the public on September 2, 2023, and closed on October 1, 2023.

This exhibition was aligned with the Vision of 2nd Street:  With a shared sense of hope, the communities of Berkshire County embrace, support, and empower formerly incarcerated individuals as they strive to achieve their unique potential for greatness.

Artistic expression can be a powerful outlet for processing the hardship of incarceration.  Interest in art created by those who have experienced the prison system or are currently in prison has been increasing.  Institutions including the Museum of Modern Art, NYC, and the Ford Foundation Gallery, have held exhibitions of art by incarcerated individuals in recent years, bringing more attention and support to these artists and to the movement that champions artmaking as an avenue of healing.  2nd Street and Berkshire Museum are proud to be part of that movement. 

The artists received an award of $200 for each work included in the exhibition.  2nd Street purchased all of the works from the artists and will be installing the exhibition in its office at 264 Second Street.