The Art of Return: A Community Performance Celebration
January 28, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Institute for Human Science and Culture | 73 S. College St. Akron, OH 44325
Join us for a high-energy performance and conversation involving justice-impacted artists and extending themes from the Institute’s ongoing exhibition, Home Free: Ohio Artists Envision Prison Abolition. Throughout the event, artist performances will be interwoven with audience reflections and a light-touch open-mic moment—all with a focus on community building and shared understanding.
This free event is open to all, with no experience required. All attendees will receive free admission to the Institute galleries, including the Home Free exhibit. Please RSVP by clicking the button below.
This event is presented by the Returning Artists Guild, with generous support from The University of Akron Women’s Studies Program and the Center for Conflict Management.
Featured Artists
Andrea “Draye” Mitchell is a 37 year old singer-songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. Andrea has sung her whole life starting in church and high-school choirs. She continued to pursue music into adulthood, up until the time she was arrested. During six years of incarceration, Andrea managed to still sing and share her voice. She met both founders of the Returning Artists Guild there, and upon her return home has been an active member ever since. Andrea’s goal is to invoke feeling in a world that has become numb. If she can make you feel, she has done her job.
M’chal Prosperity, originally from Jacksonville, Florida, is a spoken-word artist and writer who transformed 13 years of incarceration into fuel for purpose. Music and poetry are their air. Their mission is to inspire, motivate, and connect through unapologetic expression.
Montez Mickens is a videographer, photographer, musical artist, and creative epoxy designer. Mickens was formerly incarcerated for over a decade. As a returned citizen, he has managed to create three successful businesses using all of his artistry.
Plan Your Visit
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