University of Iowa classrooms come in all sizes and many different venues, but a small group of professor Rachel Marie-Crane Williams’ students may have the most unusual classroom of all—in prison. Under Williams’ direction, these women’s studies students spend time working with women in the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women facilitating classes about healthy relationships.

Williams, who has worked with incarcerated women for 20 years, will discuss the development of this program and share challenges, successes, and outcomes during a Tuesday, May 27 presentation in Des Moines.

The event continues the University of Iowa’s popular Hawkeye Lunch and Learn series, which has been drawing capacity crowds since its January debut. Williams will speak on, “When Theory Meets Practice: Women's Studies Students Working with Women on the Inside,” from noon to 1 p.m. at the UI John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center, 1200 Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Guests are invited to bring their lunches—desserts and drinks will be provided.

The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. RSVP online.

An artist, teacher, and scholar with a joint appointment between the School of Art and Art History (Intermedia) and Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies, both in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Williams’ work has always been focused on women’s issues, community, art, and people who are incarcerated.

Williams believes strongly that art can blend with activism to make a difference in the world. Her artistic vision takes her into prisons and juvenile homes, where her goal is for artistic expression to serve as a catalyst for social change and a catharsis for those who need healing or inspiration.

“For many students, this experience is a turning point in their consciousness about the lives of women and the challenges women on the margins face,” Williams says. “Going ‘inside’ allows them to explore theories they have encountered in their studies through the stories and experiences of real women from all walks of life.”

The Hawkeye Lunch and Learn series offers monthly events in Des Moines and Iowa City designed to connect Iowa communities, university faculty, and government and industry leaders. The Provost’s Office of Outreach and Engagement sponsors the series. Upcoming events in Des Moines include:

• June 17: University of Iowa Mobile Museum
• July 22: Sean O'Harrow, director, UI Museum of Art
• Aug. 12: "Magical Mythical Tour: In Search of the Beatles," Donna Parsons, UI Honors Program
• Sept. 23: "The Internet: Past, Present and Future," Dan Reed, UI vice president for research and economic development

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the Office of the Provost in advance at 319-335-3565.