Art exhibit highlights survivor pieces
By: Becky Tener
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Campus
Senior Lindsey Melden was on her usual visit to the Wood County Public Library Friday. Along with her typical library necessities she also came away moved by effects of sexual and domestic violence from Victims Services of Behavioral Connections second annual Survivor Art Show.
The art show was one of the many events brought to the Bowling Green campus and community for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The exhibit displayed artwork that was meant to bear witness to the violence committed against women, said Julie Broadwell, Victims Services program manager.
The art show displayed 23 pieces from different media, like paintings, photos and poems. Victims Services collected each piece from across Ohio and Michigan. Many were made by victims or by friends or family members of victims to help them deal with their emotions. A brochure given to each attendant was filled with the background of each piece and the artist, Broadwell said.
"The pieces are very strong and thought provoking," Broadwell said. "Each one in a way represents hope and recovery."
Melden said she was surprised to see the exhibit when she came to the library, but was moved by the works and the stories of the women who made them.
She said she was most moved by a painting of an abstract face conveying the emotional brokenness that can occur through violence.
"I think it's amazing that people are able to express
themselves through art and are able use that therapy as part of the healing process," she said.
Retired MD Marjoria Peatee said the exhibit really struck her because as a doctor she had many patients that dealt with violence.
"They have really done an excellent job of portraying it because it can be hard to face these things," Melden said.
After looking through the show attendants could pick up refreshments and information from Victims Services volunteers.
Senior Stefanie Gadd said violence is more prevalent than most people think.
"I don't think people realize how often this happens to people in the community," she said.
Gadd said the response to the show was good and she felt her and the rest of the Victims Services volunteers were using the opportunity to inform people.
"I think that through the art show people have come away with a better understanding of how this kind of violence can affect people and how often it really happens," she said.
The art show was one of the many events brought to the Bowling Green campus and community for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The exhibit displayed artwork that was meant to bear witness to the violence committed against women, said Julie Broadwell, Victims Services program manager.
The art show displayed 23 pieces from different media, like paintings, photos and poems. Victims Services collected each piece from across Ohio and Michigan. Many were made by victims or by friends or family members of victims to help them deal with their emotions. A brochure given to each attendant was filled with the background of each piece and the artist, Broadwell said.
"The pieces are very strong and thought provoking," Broadwell said. "Each one in a way represents hope and recovery."
Melden said she was surprised to see the exhibit when she came to the library, but was moved by the works and the stories of the women who made them.
She said she was most moved by a painting of an abstract face conveying the emotional brokenness that can occur through violence.
"I think it's amazing that people are able to express
themselves through art and are able use that therapy as part of the healing process," she said.
Retired MD Marjoria Peatee said the exhibit really struck her because as a doctor she had many patients that dealt with violence.
"They have really done an excellent job of portraying it because it can be hard to face these things," Melden said.
After looking through the show attendants could pick up refreshments and information from Victims Services volunteers.
Senior Stefanie Gadd said violence is more prevalent than most people think.
"I don't think people realize how often this happens to people in the community," she said.
Gadd said the response to the show was good and she felt her and the rest of the Victims Services volunteers were using the opportunity to inform people.
"I think that through the art show people have come away with a better understanding of how this kind of violence can affect people and how often it really happens," she said.
2008 Woodie Awards


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