Niagara University Hosting ‘Surviving…Thriving: A Journey Of Healing Through Art’
A viewing of artwork created by survivors of domestic violence will serve as the centerpiece of an Oct. 27 event at Niagara University’s Castellani Art Museum called “Surviving…Thriving: A Journey of Healing through Art.”
The event, which is being held in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, begins at 5 p.m. with a welcome reception, and the art exhibit continues through 9 p.m. Organizers are also tying it to the Red Flag Campaign, a national public awareness initiative designed to encourage college students to intervene when they see a warning sign (“red flag”) of partner violence.
“We are responding to Pope Francis’ call, in this Year of Mercy, to deepen our compassion for others, while fulfilling the Catholic and Vincentian mission of Niagara University, which calls on us to be the light for those who need our help,” said the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of Niagara University. “We are committed to fostering an educational environment that focuses on the dignity of all people in our community. I’m very grateful to the students, faculty, staff and administrators who have invested themselves in this cause to affect change.”
“This event is a great way to raise awareness about domestic violence within our community, as well as draw attention to the services and resources available in our area,” added Dr. Dana Radatz, assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice at Niagara University, who is organizing the event with Dr. Jennifer Beebe, assistant professor of counseling.
Several community organizations are collaborating to host the event, including Niagara University, theLevesque Institute, Child Advocacy Center of Niagara, Family & Children’s Service of Niagara, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Victim Assistance and Domestic Violence Unit, Niagara Falls Police Department’s DV Unit, and the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier.
Admission is $1 for Niagara University students and $5 for the general public. All proceeds will be donated to domestic violence service providers in Niagara County.
To learn more about the event, please call 716.286.8182, or email jbeebe@niagara.edu or dradatz@niagara.edu.