The Brown Arts Institute presents an exclusive preview of Spiz, a documentary about the life and work of artist Dean Gillispie. Gillispie’s sculptures are currently on view at the Bell Gallery in Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration. Following the screening, Gillispie will discuss his practice with curator Dr. Nicole R. Fleetwood.

Dean Gillispie grew up in southwest Ohio. As a child, he enjoyed building miniatures and train sets, what he calls tinkering. When he was 24, he was convicted and sentenced for crimes he did not commit. He spent 20 years in prison before being released through the advocacy of his parents and the Ohio Innocence Project. While incarcerated, he created dozens of elaborate miniatures using materials he scavenged inside. He is now on the board of the Ohio Innocence Project and volunteers to help other formerly incarcerated people re-enter communities.

Free and open to the public. This event takes place at the Martinos Auditorium in the Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, located at 154 Angell Street.