Exhibit Explores Domestic Violence

The Domestic Violence Network is hosting an art show called "Showing Hope" this month at the Athenaeum.  

This is the first art show for the Domestic Violence Network or DVN, an Indianapolis based group that works to end domestic abuse by engaging and educating the community. 

Chris Warren, director of community engagement for the DVN, serves as curator and says he was nervous about putting together his first art show.

"I was not sure that we’d have a lot of pieces, I was not sure that people would show up, I was not sure that people would care and they did," says Warren.

Warren reached out on social media, to the Arts Council and local service providers that use art therapy to find artists who have been affected by domestic violence.  The art work is for sale with half of the proceeds benefitting an emergency fund for victims.   

The exhibit is meant to help in the healing process as well as create awareness of the issue that is sometimes ignored.

"Fifty-three percent of people know someone who has experienced domestic violence,  but 70 percent of people don't talk about it with their friends, family or children," says Warren.

The pieces are displayed in the Athenaeum’s Art Space through the end of the month.