***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 25, 2017

ELKHART COUNTY PROSECUTING ATTORNEY VICKI ELAINE BECKER AND VICTIMS’ ASSISTANCE COLLABORATE WITH ELKHART ART LEAGUE TO BRING “SHOUT IT ART!”

Media Contact: Vicki Elaine Becker (574) 296-1888

On Sunday, October 1, 2017, “SHOUT IT ART! Voices & Visions of Survivorship and Empowerment” will kick-off the National Domestic Violence Awareness month with a showcase of art from several local artists who have survived domestic violence in our community.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.ⁱ  Prosecuting Attorney Vicki Elaine Becker explains “Oftentimes, domestic violence is hard to talk about, but the need to express the profound emotional impact of that violence remains. Art – in all its forms – is a valuable measure of expression to bring healing and awareness to the trauma of domestic violence.” Vicki will be giving a short talk about domestic violence in Elkhart County at the “SHOUT IT ART!” opening on October 1.

“SHOUT IT ART!” will feature works by Elkhart artist Jake Webster, sculptor, poet and educator. Webster’s studio is located at 114 Jefferson Street behind Executive Cleaners. Mr. Webster’s first experience with domestic violence was when he discovered his daughter was in a domestic violence shelter. He later learned of a woman who, while trying to flee from her abuser, called 911 and was killed while on the call. This inspired him to do a series titled “The Last Sound”. A series of sculptures and poetry to reflect “What would you want your last sound on earth to be?”

It will also feature works by Anna Ryan Drew of A.R. Drew ART in the Emporium Building at 121 South Niles Ave. in South Bend, Indiana. Anna is a mixed media painter who uses Simplicity dress patterns in a number of her works. At a young age, Anna accompanied her mother to Chicago as she facilitated art projects at Cabrini Green and various other shelters for women. It was through these experiences that Anna developed a love for combining art with compassion for social justice.

“SHOUT IT ART!” is a month long exhibit and is free to the public. It opens on Sunday, October 1, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Elkhart Art League, located at 131-1B Tyler Street, Elkhart, Indiana 46516.

ⁱNational Coalition Against Domestic Violence. nacdv.org

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