Behind these walls, creativity thrives.

Our purpose at Art the Hard Way is to empower individuals to unlock their creative potential and paint a brighter future, even from behind prison walls. We sell workbooks and journals that guide you through a journey of self-discovery, encouraging you to delve into your inner world through painting, drawing, writing, and other artistic avenues.

Additionally, the program helps build connection, allowing you to bridge gaps with fellow artists and tap into supportive communities.

Ready to start your journey of artistic self-discovery? Order your copy today! To learn more about how our products can benefit your facility, click the link below.

Learn more

Three origami paper cranes of varying sizes flying against a plain light mauve background.

Adult Coloring Books.

Adult coloring books offer significant therapeutic benefits in prisons. They provide a vital outlet for stress reduction and anxiety management, fostering calm in a challenging environment. This focused, creative activity promotes mindfulness and emotional expression, potentially aiding rehabilitation and improving the overall prison atmosphere.

Beautifully broken

World of Wonder

Colors of Genius

Behind the Walls, Beyond the Lines

Her Brush, Her Legacy

"In here, everything's about what you can't do. But with these coloring books, it's about what I can create. It's a small space, sure, but it's my space, and for a little while, I get to decide what colors the world takes on."

- Art the Hard Way, Program Participant

Hear from the artists.

"Art the Hard Way underscores the immense difficulty of creating art in prison. While prison life is unpleasant, art provides a crucial means of endurance and productivity. For me, with support from forward-thinking prison staff, art has been transformative, helping me redefine myself and cultivate a trade to become a true societal contributor."

- Art the Hard Way, Program Participant
"This program profoundly changed my understanding of art and my own ability to express it."

- Art the Hard Way, Program Volunteer
"This program has largely reinforced my identity as a unique artist with unconventional thinking, highlighting my strength in creating new mediums."

- Art the Hard Way, Program Participant

Partnering with your local art community.

By collaborating with local galleries, museums, and professional artists, participants gain a direct understanding of what it takes to be a working artist in the creative industries and how to professionally showcase their work.

Discover our current community partners! Just click on the links below to learn more.

Fremont Center for the Arts

Museum of Colorado Prisons

Matte Refic

Hear from the public.

"I really enjoyed looking at all of the amazing art, and reading all of the captivating stories of the artists! Thank you for sharing this intimate part of yourself with us."

Anonymous comment from an Art the Hard Way Exhibit
"This was a remarkable insight for those of us on the outside looking in. Thank you for bringing this work to the general public."

Anonymous comment from an Art the Hard Way Exhibit
"Thank you for this beautiful exhibit. By putting your heart, soul, and beauty into the world, you have touched everyone who sees it. "

Anonymous comment from an Art the Hard Way Exhibit

“Regardless of who we are or what we've done, every human life holds a valuable story. Art the Hard Way exists to empower artists in marginalized communities—those who may have forgotten their worth or never realized it—to find purpose and meaning by telling their stories through art.”

Behind these walls, creativity thrives.

Adult Coloring Books.

"This program profoundly changed my understanding of art and my own ability to express it."

"This program has largely reinforced my identity as a unique artist with unconventional thinking, highlighting my strength in creating new mediums."

Partnering with your local art community.

"I really enjoyed looking at all of the amazing art, and reading all of the captivating stories of the artists! Thank you for sharing this intimate part of yourself with us."

"This was a remarkable insight for those of us on the outside looking in. Thank you for bringing this work to the general public."

"Thank you for this beautiful exhibit. By putting your heart, soul, and beauty into the world, you have touched everyone who sees it. "

“Regardless of who we are or what we've done, every human life holds a valuable story. Art the Hard Way exists to empower artists in marginalized communities—those who may have forgotten their worth or never realized it—to find purpose and meaning by telling their stories through art.”

— Rev. Justin Reddick, Creator of Art the Hard Way

Art the Hard Way