FREE YOUR YOURSELF AND YOUR POTENTIAL
BREAK the FUCKING RULES. QUESTION EVERYTHING
CELLBLOCK 9 is where the Keyes are to loosen the fetters that have kept you bound to the mundane..Free yourself of your limitations and inhibitions. Corporate greed only cares about the commercial value of people. We believe that every piece of art every song every book every service has an audience. We welcome all creative people to join us and showcase your talent, skill, and service. From the Grandma who wants to sell her quilts and sweaters to the convict who has paintings no one will see. To the person who can't get one publishing house to read the novel they poured their soul into. You are welcome here.
No events at the moment
No events at the moment
No events at the moment
Blacksmithing
Your New Masterpiece
Get your hands dirty with a fun and interactive class. This something we are looking forward to. Slated to start in January is we can fill the class if interested please contact us to reserve to spot in the class. An intermediate class is planned to follow up this begginners class. Then an advanced course to put the cherry on top. We here at the CELLBLOCK plan to keep the old trades alive like blacksmithing and stone masonry ect. You can help by participating and taking an interst in these trades that shaped our world
Prison Style Tattooing
CELLBLOCK 9 TATTOO
We can’t all be a modern Picasso, but we can take what's at hand and create something great with it. Prison Tattooing is something the mainstream world knows very little about. This style art is often asked for at tattoo shops. We are offering classes on fine line prison Tattooing done with black ink and a single needle. Anyone may attend even if it is just out of curiosity. We will go over all the basics to the finer points. Great for begginners, or established artists who love learning new styles.
Pencil Drawing
Your New Masterpiece
Get your hands dirty with a fun and interactive Pencil Drawing class today. All students love Pencil Drawing and feel extremely accomplished after leaving. Class sizes are kept small in order to ensure each participant gets enough attention from the instructor. Pencil Drawing class is also a great way to mingle and meet other local artists in the Erie, PA area. Class begins Dec. 1st and runs each Saturday in December ending on the 26th. Cost for class is $200. Contact us to secure your spot.
Classes will begin November 7th at 1pm until 5pm. And is 4 weeks long ending on Saturday November 28th. Follow up classes may be offered depending on turn out and participation of this intial class. Price for this class is $200 due at enrollment.
Contact Us
We do not yet have a brick and mortar location it is coming soon
1117 east 35th Erie, Erie County 16504 USA
814 566 9404
What's happening
We’re Moving & Shaking
Cellblock 9 Artistry couldn’t have succeeded if it wasn't for the support of family and friends and my Wife Shelly who let's me know everyday there is nothing I can't do if try hard enough. We here want that for every artist. We are now taking items on consignment as well as accept music to sell as downloads. And E Books. Contact us for more information. We are welcoming art and books by prisoners who have an almost impossible time getting their stuff out there. We will also offer a forum where you can post poetry and thoughts and ideas. And have a voice. Classes are starting up keeping old trades alive and showcasing some that have been kept underground..we look forward to things to come. We are constantly changing and growing so things will remain fresh. Keep your head iup and your boot down my brothers and sister. Let's make Rock N Roll dangerous again. Hardcover ethic meets each one teach one and we have something special here
Taking items on consignment
September 5th. 2020
We will now be accepting items on consignment. Your original artwork, or music for download or CDs. E books fiction and non fiction. Hand crafted items. Weird and odd things the more unusual the better.
10 Tips to Become a Better Painter
July 25, 2025
This is your News Article. It’s a great place to update your visitors about news in the art community, or publish relevant announcements about your studio, teachers and students. You can also use this space to publish relevant art tips and link to helpful arts resources for your visitors. Informational Articles can be a great way to position yourself as an authority in your field, and keep your visitors engaged. Choose a great image or photo to feature in your article or add a video for extra engagement! Keep it interesting and relevant so that your readers read it through till the very end.
Pencil Drawing Class begins Dec. 1st enroll now
July 25, 2025
Pencil Drawing is a great way to express yourself. We will be following all CDC Guidelines concerning Covid 19. And masks must be worn and social distancing observed. This is a relaxed fun atmosphere where the class size is small so the instructor can spend time with all the participants. And a great way to make new friends.
Free enrollment in Prison Style Fine Line Tattooing for new members and current members if enrolled by Oct. 1st.2020
Deadline Oct. 1st
This is your opportunity to take advantage of a great class for free. We want to show everyone what we are about. We will have more classes to come. A craft class in the works as well as pencil drawing.
Local Art Studio Produces Masterpiece
July 25, 2025
This is your News Article. It’s a great place to update your visitors about news in the art community, or publish relevant announcements about your studio, teachers and students. You can also use this space to publish relevant art tips and link to helpful arts resources for your visitors. Informational Articles can be a great way to position yourself as an authority in your field, and keep your visitors engaged. Choose a great image or photo to feature in your article or add a video for extra engagement! Keep it interesting and relevant so that your readers read it through till the very end.
No product
Our vision a Voice for the Voiceless
Determined Artists
At Cellblock 9 Artistry we envision a community of people as diverse as art is. We want a movement that breaks away from the established way of doing things. We believe in putting things where they belong. Every piece of art has a destiny. We aim to help it along that journey. We want to be a voice for the voice for the Voiceless. As a former prisoner I've seen first hand the untapped resource of the creative wealth behind the walls. So many great artists in our prisons. From pencil drawings, and poo aintings to novels. We wanted a platform to showcase that taent. But why stop there so many creative items are out there collecting dust. So many people have hand crafted things they poured love into awhich nd talents that will never be utilized. Which is why we we are as diverse as our artists in what we offer
Our Staff
A Team of Artists and Teachers
Our talented staff is made up of teachers and fellow artists who love mentoring and passing on their knowledge to guests. They come from all walks of life and are united by an undying passion for the arts. Although they come from different backgrounds, their goal at Cellblock 9 Artistry is the same: to provide each of our guests with the best artistic experience at our Art Center.
Michael "Smitty"Smith
Owner
Artist and Owner and Co Owner of Cellblock Cycles. Has worked on and off in a creative capacity since a teenager
Shelly Smith
Photographer,Human Resources, Craft Teacher
Shelly is a wellspring of creativity and brings joy wherever she goes and has an eye for finding beauty where most people fail to notice
Art Keene
Paint and Body Expert, CO owner Cellblock Cycles
40+ years of paint and body experience
Keith Pendzich
Restoration Expert
Meticulous with an eye for detail
Max Johnson
Pottery Teacher
Max Johnson has a mind made for art — and is always working on a new project! Let our Pottery Teacher help you start creating your own art.
We’d love to meet you in person--come by and say hi!