Press release from Our VOICE:
Healing from sexual violence comes in many forms, and we at Our VOICE believe that art is an essential tool in that healing process. Artistic expression has the power to transform our feelings and our lives, and this is exactly why we are dedicated to curating an annual art show especially for survivors of sexual assault. This year’s featured guest artist is Anne Heck, an artist, spiritual counselor and survivor.
Call for Art: We are now accepting art submissions by survivors of sexual assault for the annual exhibition, which will open on Thursday, November 10th at the YMI Cultural Center. For more information about contributing to the exhibition, please go to www.ourvoicenc.org.
Our VOICE will also be offering free workshops for survivors of sexual assault including:
Writing Beyond Rape: From Silence to Song
A workshop with Laura Hope Gill, a North Carolina Arts Fellow and Director of Thomas Wolfe Center for Narrative. Writing Beyond Rape: From Silence to Song is a day of writing, witness, and reflection for survivors of sexual abuse, all genders welcome. Saturday, August 20th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lenoir-Rhyne University, 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville. Register: arts@ourvoicenc.org.
Healing Dolls
A doll-making workshop with Anne Heck, our 2016 featured guest artist and spiritual counselor.
Doll making is a powerful medium for connecting with deep parts of ourselves and, in many cultures, dolls have long been used for the purpose of healing. In this workshop, you will create a small intention/prayer-doll and learn a process of healing through the use of the medicine wheel – an ancient symbol of transformation – and creative expression. Saturday, September 10th, from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Center for Art & Spirit, 1 School Road, Asheville. Space is limited. Register: arts@ourvoicenc.org.
Our Unfolding Selves: Creative Writing as Connection and Imagination
A writing workshop with Morgan Leichter-Saxby, a certified AWA workshop leader. Trauma takes many forms, as can healing. For many, silence compounds trauma by sealing it in the dark, denying people a witness to their words. In this workshop, all participants will be able to share their personal stories or flights of imagination, in their own time and without judgment. The AWA method is founded on the belief that everyone has a unique and powerful voice. There are no requirements for participation, and absolutely everyone is welcome. Wednesday, September 14th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Firestorm Books & Café, 610 Haywood Road, Asheville. Register: arts@ourvoicenc.org.
Writing Workshop & Color Drawing Journals
This workshop with Annie Fahy, writer and counselor, and Susan McChesney, area artist, is a private journey, to be shared only with one’s self. Fahy will create space for writing and reflection, based on the Amherst Writers and Artists workshop method. This method creates a healing space and strives for transformation of trauma and other experiences. We honor the writer by keeping the focus on the writing itself and this creates a unique space to tell story and speak deeper truths. McChesney will offer an introduction to the basics of color drawing, such as light, value, and perspective, while interpreting what you see and feel. Simple drawing exercises will be shared that help our eyes, hand and brain to work together, inspired by life, photos, imagination, and memory. Experimentation with ideas and materials is encouraged. Beginners welcomed. Saturday, September 24th, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Family Justice Center, 35 Woodfin Street, Asheville. Register: arts@ourvoicenc.org.
All submissions to the 15th Annual Survivors’ Art Show will be on display at the YMI Cultural Center, 39 South Market Street, with a viewing held on Thursday, November 10th, from 5 to 7 p.m. After the viewing and from 7 to 8 p.m. there will be a performance art presentation featuring Anne Heck’s “Pathways to Healing,” a discussion about her healing journey as a survivor of rape, poetry by Laura Hope Gill, music, song and dance from regional artists. Find out more at www.ourvoicenc.org.
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