Where words fail, color and form and texture thrive. Survivors of incest, molestation and domestic abuse can find an avenue to heal through art. Wednesday the “Survivors” art show opened at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists space at Kukui Grove
Where words fail, color and form and texture thrive. Survivors of incest, molestation and domestic abuse can find an avenue to heal through art.
Wednesday the “Survivors” art show opened at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists space at Kukui Grove Shopping Center. For the next two weeks a collection by more than 60 YWCA clients will inhabit this small gallery displaying the work of artists ranging in age from 5- years old to adulthood — all survivors of abuse who have transformed their pain.
“I don’t call this art therapy,” said Melissa Hall, the show’s curator and the YWCA prevention educator for sexual assault and abuse. “It is more of a creative process. I am here to help you say what you don’t normally want to say. You can say it in your art.”
Attendees can do more then just look though. Almost daily over the course of the two-week show there will be free workshops in art, movement and self-defense open to the public.
Since 2007 Hall has worked as a case manager for the sexual assault program where her clients learn to communicate in paper, paint or fiber. Other YWCA programs participating are Girls Zone, an empowerment camp for girls ages 9 to 14 and the newly formed Kaua‘i Youth Network, a youth-run group concerned with island issues. There is one quilt included in the show by a Malama Pono client.
Attendees will see handmade masks, textile projects, T-shirts and multimedia works by adults and children. Many of the pieces have brief explanations of the art.
“These are people at risk but who can be resilient,” Hall said. “I’m teaching the girls to be powerful and in control of their power — and to make something beautiful.”
One participating artist with more then a dozen pieces on display said her mother was a victim of abuse when no one talked about it.
“She’d be proud of me for lifting the veil,” said the Kapa‘a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
While the art on display and accompanying text are the lion’s share of the project, the workshops are an integral part of Hall’s vision.
“I want the feel of people making all kinds of art forms while they are around art,” she said. “What’s more inspiring then that?”
The instruction offered is varied. Classes range from Hawaiian jewelry making to a recycled doll construction and a self-defense class for children. See insert for full schedule.
• 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. today Poetry Slam (adults)
• 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday Drawing (8- years old and up)
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Collage (teenagers to adult)
• 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday Hawaiian Jewelry Making (10- years old and up)
• 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday Self Defense (8- years old and up)
• 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday Speech Empowerment for Teens
• 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 10 Recycle Doll making (5- years old and up)
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. April 11 Journal Making (10- years old and up)
• 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. April 12 Yoga for keiki (5 to 10- years old)
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 12 Yoga (adults)
• 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children’s Collage Books (adults)
• Pam Woolway, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or pwoolway@kauaipubco.com
