ART SPEAKS -- Artists Against Bullying & Abuse

Our first ever ART SPEAKS event was today, and it turned out INCREDIBLY!!!   O my gah, I can’t even tell you how happy I am.  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU A MILLION STARS TO EVERYONE WHO CAME!!!  Not only is the cause so important to me, it was also SO MUCH FUN!!!!  LOVE YOU GINORMOUS!!!

I don’t think that when Diana and I first got together and started planning this out, that we really knew what we were getting into.  We just knew what we wanted to do.  We knew we wanted to bring our peers and the community together, through art, and for a cause against bullying and abuse.  However, everyone’s support and response to the event was so warm and touching made it even more magical, I feel like I’m glowing on the inside.

For me personally, domestic violence is an issue that doesn’t get as much attention as it should, and so I do my best to find different ways to shed light on the subject.  Along with the display of art for today's event, we had a slideshow looping throughout the event, which displayed statistics, facts, warning signs, resources, etc.  I also left my brochures out for people to take, as well as a short story print out of my own past abusive relationship.  It’s amazing how in sharing my own story with others, I often realize that I’m not the only person in the room who knows the pains of an abusive hand and tongue.  The more amazing part though, is being able to bond with complete strangers over a common pain—or at least someone who knows someone who has been through what I’ve been through. And not much even has to be said. It’s a beautiful thing, really.  It’s also important to me to open myself up as a friend in this way, because I know how scary it is, and how alone a person can feel when they have no idea what to do—whether they are the person in the abusive situation, or standing on the outskirts looking in on a loved one’s pain.  I NEVER want anyone to feel like they are alone.

Auctioning the art was a success, so thank you to everyone who donated items—they were great pieces!.  I’m looking forward to finalizing everything, and presenting a check to the Good Shepherd Shelter.  Thank you to Christine for making a beautiful spread of food for us.  Thank you to my friends (and new friends!) who came to help set up, and those who came just to show their support.  Thank you to Channel 3 for coming to cover our event. And a big thanks to everyone for painting on our “canvas guest books.”  Diana and I each took home one as a keepsake, and mine will forever hang on my wall as a brilliant memory—they are truly marvelous!

Don’t forget to be MAGNIFICENT!

BIG LOVE & HUGS

Love,

Justine