By Paul Gnadt, reposted
with permission of the Keene
Star

An art exhibit at Southwestern
Adventist University in Keene, Texas, will help give victims of domestic
violence strength to draw on.

Southwestern art students will
raise awareness for domestic violence at the biannual art show from 4-6 p.m.
Monday, March 10, in the Chan Shun Centennial Library.

Admission is free. However,
attendees are asked to bring items to benefit the Johnson County Family Crisis
Center. Items needed are laundry detergent, dish soap, pillows, light bulbs,
toilet paper, paper towels and tissues can be dropped off at the event.

Every year the students, under the
direction of instructor Marcela Wall, pick a charity or cause to highlight with
their artwork.

“Domestic violence is a sensitive
issue,” communication major Makala Coleman said. “The art show is a different
way to bring awareness and start the conversation. There is help available.”

The Johnson County Family Crisis
Center seeks to empower and equip victims of domestic violence, JCFCC
representative Amy Lane said.

“The center is a country home where
victims can feel safe,” Lane said. “In every aspect of the center there is an
air of hope. Each room is named after an encouraging word: “faith' and
courage,' for example. Inspirational decorations fill the building. Visitors do
chores and cook as a large family.”

There are many obstacles to
overcome, Lane said. “We work and support in any way that we can until victims
of domestic violence are able to get back on their feet and can start life
again.”

Lane visited Southwestern's art
class earlier this semester to share with the students what their art will
support.

“Our Art for Awareness program helps our students
realize that art is more than just an elective or hobby,” Wall said. “They can
paint with a greater purpose.”