Touched by Violence

Touched by Violence: A juried art exhibition
This art exhibition explores the theme Touched by Violence. Artists were asked to express visually their thoughts regarding violence in our society and it's weighty affects on us both as individuals in our daily lives as well as their interactions and emotional response. Art therapy is often used to encourage expression and healing after a traumatic experience. Whether you have been personally affected by violence or are simply disheartened by violence in our society, we encourage you to explore with us the artwork presented by these artists and the accompanying artist statements.

Featuring Artwork by:

VIEW EXHIBITION ALBUM

Kim Carr
Christine Kurtz Casten
Kathy Czopek
Steve Femmer
Janice Hager-Klein
Alvin “Sonny” Hartman
Gloria Henderson
Jim Horne
David Kiefer

Victor Klouse
Suzanne Lowry
Shirley Nachtrieb
Judith Repke
Robert J. Riddler
Sherry Salant
Whitney Lauren Smith
Linda Wilmes

First Place Helping Hands Kathy Czopek	Second Place Wanted: Empathy Sherry Salant	Third Place Blood is Thicker than Time Christine Kurtz Casten
Honorable Mention Into Your Hands Suzanne Lowry	Honorable Mention It was Like Falling Asleep Whitney Lauren Smith	People's Choice Award "You’re Not Supposed To Let Them See The Pieces" Whitney Lauren Smith.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW All OF THE ARTWORK & READ THE ARTIST STATEMENTS

In the News:

St. Louis Suburban Journal Article:
St. Charles Gallery shows emotional response to Violence

Juror's Statement:
     One of the most remarkable, and challenging parts of my career has been to jury a show. Although I have curated numerous exhibitions across the US, a juried show has given me the opportunity to see work differently especially based on the theme.
     A theme that is educational and meaningful like "Touched by Violence" brought artwork to the gallery expressing narratives about a topic that needs more public attention. The creative spirit of the artists behind the submissions humbles me. To give awards seemed somehow unfair as I perused the work, and read the statements because in my heart each of you are winners just by exploring this theme so openly. However it being a juried exhibit, it’s my hope that award winners, and those juried into the exhibit will not only be proud of their accomplishments but will also go on to further educate and bring awareness to other causes in the future. Creativity is a magnificent avenue to bring people together, and connect.
     Thanks again for taking on a cause that needs your artwork to fuel words into conversations, an open door to help those heal, and to educate and make the world a better place.

About the Juror:
Juror Aunia Kahn is a self-taught figurative artist, photographer, author, and curator whose primary artwork combines many disciplines, wrapping them into a hybrid art form melding photography, painting and collage. Aunia's earlier works dealt more with her past and experiences with child abuse, while her more recent creations delve into present emotional conflicts, inspirations and her years of strength and self-determination. As an author she's published several books, one of the most notable being an daily inspirational deck entitled "Inspirations for Survivors" published by Schiffer Publishing. She has curated numerous exhibitions across the country, as well as lectures at colleges and universities about art, overcoming abuse, mental illness, and the inspiration behind the art of healing.

Aunia's work has garnered several awards in art and photography while her national and international exhibitions and residencies range from Los Angeles, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, New York, Santa Fe and scores in between.

Art and Awareness Series:
At Framations, we are striving to periodically host exhibits that incorporate awareness in areas that affect our community. In an increasingly media savvy world, we know of each and every act of violence in our society. Whether it is gun violence and the ensuing arguments over gun legislation or its domestic violence, child abuse, etc. In honor of May being Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, Framations will donate 30% of the proceeds from this exhibition to The Backstoppers Inc.

Started in 1959, The BackStoppers provides needed support and financial assistance to the spouses and children of all local and county police officers, firefighters, publicly-funded paramedics and EMTs who have lost their lives performing their duty.

Backstoppers’ assistance is immediate and on going. A check for $5,000 is delivered to the family upon the death of a police officer or firefighter. In the first few weeks following a death, the Backstoppers pay the family’s debts, including payment or assumption of mortgage. The Backstoppers provide health insurance, and provide assistance with education expense, medical expense, home repair and maintenance, and any other special needs a family may have. Each family receives a monetary gift at the holidays. The “Family Friends” program assigns an individual who meets with the family each year and is available to help the family with their needs. Learn more about The Backstoppers, Inc and what they do for the community on their website.