Domestic violence art show set in Salem
SALEM –The second annual art exhibit aimed at shining a light on the issue of domestic violence will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Courtyard Square in downtown Salem.
“Be impacted by the emotional recovery that victims have to go through and be aware there is a struggle, but there’s hope, there’s so much hope,” Daryl Hersh of Ozer Ministries said.
For Hersh, that’s the message they’re trying to convey through the artwork.
Sponsored by the Columbiana County NO MORE Campaign, which is funded through the county Department of Job and Family Services, the free show is presented through the Artisans Against Domestic Violence under the title “Domestic Violence: What happens behind closed doors” Art Exhibit.
Hersh said the purpose of the exhibit is to give an opportunity for the submission of art and to make people aware of the struggles survivors go through via a visual display. About a dozen pieces are expected, including abstracts, 3-D art and arts and crafts. There’s also a live art exhibit planned during a private reception Friday night for public officials, agency representatives, artists and their families. The live art exhibit will feature a makeup artist simulating what it’s like for a person in recovery.
Light refreshments will be served during all three days and favors will be given out which include business cards and information on Ozer Ministries, Christina House (the shelter for women and children) and Catholic Charities, which has an office in Lisbon. Christina House operates through Catholic Charities.
Artwork will be judged by Columbiana County Commissioner Tim Weigle, DJFS Director Eileen Dray-Bardon and Christina House Program Manager Beth Schmitt, with first and second place winners having their pieces displayed on posters and business cards distributed in the county.
Hersh serves as assistant executive director of Ozer Ministry, which she and her husband John founded 30 years ago in East Palestine. Their efforts include outreach for the Columbiana County NO MORE Campaign to end domestic violence and sexual assault, which is administered through the county Department of Job and Family Services.
She noted that when anyone has been a victim of domestic violence or childhood trauma, part of their recovery is to do something creative. She said it helps them process the pain.
She’s hopeful that people will come to the show and see the message of hope in the artwork.
mgreier@salemnews.net