Haven art exhibit showcases work of domestic violence survivors

The Bozeman Daily Chronicle - 4/22/2017

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic abuse, Haven's 24-hour line provides support. Call 586-4111.

Standing in front of a roomful of people at the Story Mansion on Friday, a domestic abuse survivor said in many of her art pieces, she depicts trees.

“Whether they’re blooming or their leaves are falling or even if they’re dead,” trees are beautiful, she said.

She connects with trees and, like them, “I’m still growing. I’m still beautiful. I’m here.”

The woman’s numerous art pieces were part of the “Art of Surviving: 1,000 Strong” exhibit hosted by Haven, Bozeman’s domestic violence shelter.

The show featured art created by survivors of domestic violence, from poems and paintings to quilts and mixed-media pieces.

“My art is a way for me to externalize my feelings and my thoughts and my stories,” one young woman said, standing in front of a portrait she painted of her mother, also a domestic abuse survivor. “It’s a way to talk, really, and share with everybody.”

In addition to art displayed on the inside of the Story Mansion, out on the lawn members of Haven planted 1,000 purple flags to represent the average number of people Haven serves annually.

Janine Mariani, an Americorps Vista volunteer who works with Haven, said the flags were meant to show how many people in our own community are impacted by domestic violence.

As for the art show, Mariani said they were looking for a creative way to showcase survivors and “a lot of people were finding art to be super healing.”

Mariani called the art inspiring and hopeful.

“I feel moved,” she said.

In addition to emergency shelter for survivors of intimate partner violence, Haven provides a 24-hour support line, legal advocacy, counseling, support groups and community education.

Director Erica Coyle said events like Friday’s allow the community to get involved with Haven’s mission.

And Coyle thanked the artists, “for really putting yourself out there and sharing your feelings and emotions.”

“It’s so inspiring.”