Events Visual Arts Wellness

Artwork by Survivors of Sexual Violence

Artwork by Survivors of Sexual Violence

Ann Heck, artist. Photo by Stewart Stokes Photography

Our VOICE Survivors’ Art Show Promotes Healing and Education

On Thursday, November 10, from 5–7 p.m., the YMI Cultural Center will exhibit a collection of art pieces created by survivors of sexual violence. The annual show, now in its 15th year, aims to bring survivors together by providing a community forum in which to share stories and encourage healing.

“Sometimes art is the only way for a person to dig deep down into her soul to find her truth,” says Cynthia Yancey, chair of this year’s show. “For me, in the Art Show Writing Workshops, repressed trauma has crept through my pen in the form of poetry. For others, it is sometimes better displayed in full color on a big canvas.”

The show is sponsored by the nonprofit Our VOICE, which stands for Victims Outreach Intervention, Counseling and Education. The group encourages using art in various forms in therapy and education, for both victims and the community. A powerful event that promotes healing for individuals as well as their friends and neighbors, this annual show plays an important role in the Asheville community.

“Anyone who has ever been affected in any way by sexual trauma—be it themselves, a friend, colleague or family member—is welcome to come to the 15th annual Our VOICE Survivors’ Art Show,” says Yancey. “It is not a fundraiser, but rather a community awareness raiser of the need to treat and to prevent sexual violence in our community.”

After the exhibition, there will be a presentation by featured artist and survivor Anne Heck, a poetry reading by Laura Hope Gill, and musical performance by the St. John Baptist Choir. Our VOICE also offers free workshops for survivors of sexual violence on a weekly basis.

Email arts@ourvoicenc.org or visit ourvoicenc.org to find out more.

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