SAVES seeking submissions for art show to focus on “The Art of Survival”

2 mins read

Franklin County’s sexual-assault crisis center, SAVES (Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services), is planning an art show that will focus on the power of self-expression. The show, entitled The Art of Survival, will open in mid-July.

“The purpose of this exhibit is to provide a safe space for survivors, family members, and advocates to tell their stories through a variety of media,” Judy Rawlings, Executive Director of SAVES, says. “This exhibit will also provide a forum to educate the community about the impact of sexual assault and abuse and the potential for healing that comes through awareness and from helping one another.”

Aimee DesRoches, a longtime advocate against violence in Franklin County as well as the facilitator of SAVES’ expressive arts and recovery group, talks further about the power of self-expression as a pathway to healing.

“As a survivor and an advocate, I say self expression is life-saving,” DesRoches says. “Art in any of its forms turns trauma into empowerment, and as artists and survivors we can spin chaff into gold.”

Emphasis for submissions to this exhibit is on self-expression and not necessarily technical skill. Contributors may submit work in any of the following media: Sketches, painting, pottery, sculpture, collage, statements, drawings, writings, fiberworks. Other media will also be considered. Contributors may choose to have their work displayed anonymously, and all artwork will be returned to the original artists.

For more information or how to submit, please contact SAVES at 778-9522 or e-mail Andrea Bechen, SAVES’ community educator, at andreabechen@savesrapecrisis.org. The deadline for submissions is July 9, 2008.

To learn more about SAVES or to get involved, contact SAVES at 778-9522 or visit SAVES’ website at www.savesrapecrisis.org. If you would like information or support related to any type of sexual violence, please call our 24-hour confidential helpline at 1-800-871-7741. If you are a cell phone user in Franklin County, you may call 1-866-740-9516.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.