Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence Shares Survivors Stories Through Art

(EASTON, Md) – October is domestic violence awareness month, and despite the awareness being spread, sharing a story can be incredibly difficult for survivors, putting it all into words can be even harder.

The Mid Shore Council on Family Violence is kicking off an exhibit throughout the rest of October, highlighting the stories of survivors of domestic abuse. And local artists are bringing those stories to life.

“I couldn’t sleep, I was afraid the whole time…” That’s just a small snippet of the stories of survivors in the exhibit.

Stories that artists like Jan Kirsh are bringing to life.

Jan tells WMDT, “The shoes represent the survivor literally being bullied into the corner of her house. And that’s why that half of the house is painted black,” as she explains her sculpture.

Which certainly isn’t easy to translate.

“It’s not about me, but it was a stretch as an artist. And I’ll be interested to discuss that with other artists tonight. How they move their art along to be able to capture, a survivor story,” says Jan.

Jan’s is one of many pieces on display in the Mid-Shore Council’s exhibit, alongside the shoes of the women sharing their experiences with domestic abuse.

“A lot of abuse that happens in our communities and to individuals is kept hidden. So this is our opportunity to share it with the with everybody in our community and to support Mid Shore Council on Family Violence in our work to help victims,” says Mid-Shore Council Director, Jeanne Yeager.

The exhibit will run at the Market on Dover Street through Saturday, October 31st.