A glimpse at my work for the upcoming exhibit, opening at Art Walk August 3rd!

I feel that the expansive story unfolding currently in the Congo found me, chose me, rather than the other way around. Once I learned more about the atrocities happening there – child-soldiers, a rape occurrence of one woman per minute, entire villages displaced and living in constant fear – I knew I could never turn back. As an artist, I felt I could best communicate the story through paint and color. I hope to raise awareness, support, and impassion others to speak up for those who are voiceless. I wanted to display a sense of dignity and regality in these Congolese women. The pieces are left “unfinished” because I believe these women are themselves unfinished. There is immense healing yet to occur, both individually and nationally. I wanted to showcase the humanity, the brokenness, the restoration, and the dignity of these women in my work.

I chose to donate 10% of the proceeds from these pieces to World Relief Congo because of the amazing, intelligent, lasting work they are doing there. Communities trained by World Relief help victims of sexual violence reintegrate and regain their identities. Women’s support groups provide a place for victims to regain physical strength, grieve with other survivors and participate in community activities without fear of stigma. Beginning in the towns of Kiwania and Rubare, World Relief is training pastors, lay leaders and community members to apply conflict resolution skills and live out the biblical picture of reconciliation. As the practice of forgiveness spreads and relationships are restored, enemies are transformed into neighbors caring for one another’s needs. With communities working together, long- term goals like food security, HIV/AIDS prevention and orphan care can be adequately addressed.

The opening will be August 3rd at Artology from 6-10, I’ll have original paintings as well as prints and cards at the studio.

Thanks so much for all your continued support, I’m so grateful!!