…break the silence.

For many years now, since I first embarked on my journey to learn all things photography, I have wanted to hold a benefit, a photography exhibition to raise money for charities that help women and girls who have been victims of violence.  I have tured it in my mind, how it will play out, the money that will be raised, the women that will be helped.

This year, that dream is going to become a reality.  Specifically, this June.

I have contacted the two charitable organizations with whom I’m going to work, RAINN and V-Day.  I have heard back from a representative for RAINN and she is thrilled by the idea and willing to help as much as possible.

The venue has also already been selected.  Today, I met with the owner and we discussed our plans.  She is generously donating the third floor art gallery of her restaurant, and also helping me with press releases – all free of charge.  She is going to help me contact the local television stations and newspapers and get as much media attention as possible.

The exhibit will run for six weeks starting the last week of May.  My idea for the exhibit is to take portraits of 10 – 15 women who have been victims of violence – whether it is childhood abuse, rape, incest, domestic violence, etc – women who have overcome, triumphed, persevered, taken back their lives.  The theme of this exhibit is hope.  We are not focusing on the victimization itself, but rather we are highlighting the healing; the woman having become whole once again.

This is where you come in.  I am asking all women who are in the Cincinnati area and have a story to tell, to come forward, to allow me to take their portrait, to share this with me.  I cannot compensate you monetarily.  What I can do is give you an opportunity to share your story and to do something to help other women and girls who are now where you once were.

I want you to be heard.

I want the images of how far you’ve come to shine like a beacon for the entire world to see*.

In addition, I will have framed and matted fine art prints available for purchase in the gallery.  These prints will be some of my own work, but many of them will be coming from my very, very dear friends; friends who are amazingly talented artists and who are now a part of my family.  These people are willing to donate their time and talents to this cause and I couldn’t be more grateful.

I am also looking for local bands to play on the second floor the night of the event (June 5th).  If you’re a Cincinnati-based band, please contact me.  We will be selling tickets for the live music, all the proceeds going to my two charities.  Again, you will not be compensated, but it will be a good opportunity to get exposure for your band.

There is much work to be done.  If anyone is willing to help or has any ideas to share, I encourage you to contact me.

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Every two minutes, in the United States, someone is sexually assaulted.  73% of rape victims know their assailants.

In this country, women experience about 4.8 million intimate partner-related physical assaults and rapes every year.

FOUR POINT EIGHT MILLION.

This? is absolutely UN-FUCKING-ACCEPTABLE.

Something needs to be done.  For our mothers, our sisters, our daughters.

I am ready to do my part.

*if you have just recently left an abusive relationship, you may want to re-consider participating, or if you are in any way fearful for your safety.  While your names and locations will not be released, your image will be public.