Local Art Exhibit Organized To Fight Domestic Violence
Posted
Tim Robertson-trobertson@timesuniononline.com
WINONA LAKE - In 2007, Kosciusko County Central Dispatch received a total of 1,566 calls that were labeled and logged as family violence or other violent crimes and thre were three domestic-violence-related murders in the county. Each year, Kosciusko County law enforcement receives more than 1,000 calls about domestic violence and violent crimes. On Nov. 6, 7 and 8, local artist, musicians and poets will come together to raise awareness about and combat this problem.
See the Need is an annual art exhibit and three-day event dedicated to highlighting local social issues through the arts.
This year, See the Need is focused on domestic violence. The goal is to raise awareness of domestic violence, and create a dialogue that answers questions and provides information about the damage and impact of this crime on its victims and the community.
"We don't just want to talk about an issue, we want to present some sort of solution," said Scott Barger, pastor at New Horizon church, Winona Lake. New Horizon hosts and sponsors See the Need.
"We want to highlight a social concern and also a local agency that's doing something about it," Barger said.
This year, See the Need is partnering with the Victim Service Center in Warsaw. The VSC operates a crisis line, women's and children's programs, community education and information and referral services to assist victims of domestic violence in breaking the cycle. In addition to exhibiting art around the theme of domestic violence, See the Need will also feature a presentation and question/answer session with VSC Director Becky Moreno, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m.
Barger said he and other See the Need organizers hope the event can be a catalyst to action. "If even one person walks out with a greater appreciation for how serious of a problem this is and how prolific it is, I think we've done a good job," he said. "But, if we can get a group of people who are aware and decide to get involved in the solution, that would be ideal. If we can just motivate people in that direction, it would be a victory."
See the Need is free to the public. It will be held at New Horizon, 1300 Wooster Road, Winona Lake. The gallery will open each night from 6 to 11 p.m. Musical performances will include Mason Proper, Chemic and Darkroom, Nov. 6, beginning at 7 p.m.; and Patrick Woods beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 8. A poetry slam hosted by Chicago poet John Shirk will be held at 8 p.m., Nov. 8. Local poets are encouraged to attend and participate. See the Need currently is accepting art submissions for its juried exhibit. Entry forms are available at www.seetheneed.org/forms.html
For more information about See the Need and a full schedule, visit www.seetheneed.org
For more information on domestic violence, visit www.victimservicecenter.org
