Moscow Contemporary and University of Idaho Prison Education Initiative with support from the Idaho Department of Corrections presents “Beyond the Wire” from Sept. 25–Oct. 25, 2025. There will be a reception with featured guest speakers on October 4, 2025, 5:00–7:00 p.m. Speakers at 6:00 p.m. The reception is being sponsored by Nectar Restaurant, who will be providing complementary wine and light appetizers for attendees. 

In 2022, the University of Idaho began offering college degrees to incarcerated students in Idaho. As a federally recognized Prison Education Program, UI’s Prison Education Initiative (PEI), now supports dozens of students in taking the next step toward their education. Currently, the PEI supports degrees in communication, general studies, and organizational sciences in three Idaho prisons – Idaho Correctional Institution – Orofino, Idaho State Correctional Center, and Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center. 

All art featured in “Beyond the Wire” is made by incarcerated artists. This exhibit highlights the artist’s skills, and serves as an opportunity for PEI students to participate in the Vandal community. These works symbolize their journeys through education and reflect their past, present, and future. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of PEI students with artwork skillfully made behind bars. 

All proceeds from the event will benefit the PEI Fund, a nonprofit that supports the academic and extracurricular needs of incarcerated students around the state.