USA (MNN) — Monday, September 14, 2009 marked the grand opening of a unique art gallery in Grandville, Michigan. Most galleries elevate the work of renowned and professional artists. This particular gallery reflects the work of a slightly different crowd: prison inmates.

Crossroad Bible Institute prison ministry provides an educational and Christ-focused reentry program for prisoners. Ten years ago, the group began to request artwork from inmates for a ministry publication. As the quantity and quality of the entries increased, the ministry started to see the potential for something more.

The Crossroad Inmate Art Gallery will rotate pieces in from across the country, all created by some of its 40,000 students. The gallery will act as a house of celebration for the accomplishments of its students, affirming their abilities and celebrating their new lives in Christ. It will also give the public a better understanding of those in prison.

A range of artwork will be displayed in the gallery, from graphic art and paintings to short stories and poetry. Most of the works created are reflections of the hope the prisoners have found in the Lord.

The grand opening of the gallery at CBI headquarters ends today, but the gallery will continue to be open and free to the public daily. If you will be in Grandville, Michigan, any time soon, please stop by and join in the celebration of what God has been doing in so many lives that had been lost and now are found. For more information, click here.